Protesters to return to Ratchaprasong for major rally Wednesday

23 Sept 04:50 Key points summarised by AI

Anti-government protesters plan a major rally at Ratchaprasong on Wednesday, awaiting Parliament's vote on constitutional amendment bills.
A previous demonstration saw protesters breach parliament barriers, clashing with police and royalists, resulting in at least 25 injuries from water cannons, tear gas, and physical altercations.
Police deployed high-pressure water jets (some with tear gas) and tear gas, while anti-riot police were equipped with rubber bullet guns during the previous confrontation.
Protesters advocate for the iLaw bill, seeking a completely new constitution that allows amendments to all chapters, including those concerning the monarchy.
Protest leaders declared the upcoming rally will be their "biggest," with the police headquarters as their target.

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.