Duck and cover: Blow-up mascots star at Thai protests

13 Sept 17:01 Key points summarised by AI

Thai protesters are ingeniously using inflatable yellow pool ducks as impromptu shields against police water cannons and teargas during demonstrations.
These giant ducks have evolved into a symbol and mascot for the ongoing movement, which seeks the removal of the Prime Minister, constitutional reforms, and limits on the King's power.

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.