34 injured in parliament rally, protesters to return to Ratchaprasong Wednesday

4 Oct 08:42 Key points summarised by AI

Protesters clashed violently with police outside parliament, resulting in 34 injuries, including four from gunshot wounds, as officers deployed water cannons and tear gas.
Thousands breached police barriers to occupy the parliament's front gate, demanding MPs approve the iLaw-backed constitutional amendment bill, which seeks to revise all chapters, including those related to the monarchy.
Leaders announced a major follow-up rally at Ratchaprasong intersection on Wednesday, targeting police headquarters, to await the parliamentary vote on the constitutional amendment bills.

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.