Protest groups converge on Democracy Monument

13 Sept 15:37 Key points summarised by AI

Three protest groups—"Bad Student," "Mob Fest," and "Women Freedom"—converged at Democracy Monument, with the "Bad Student" group having earlier performed a mock burial for the Education Minister.
Police issued warnings to protesters, urging them to remain at the monument, conclude rallies by 1 am, cease loud speakers after midnight, and refrain from offensive remarks or posters.
Multiple stages were set up at the protest site, including one for the "Women Freedom" group to discuss gender issues and others for concerts.
Concurrently, royalist groups gathered along Rajdamnoen Avenue and other locations to greet Their Majesties the King and Queen as their motorcade was scheduled to pass.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.