Anti-establishment protesters rally on Aksa Road in Thon Buri

13 Sept 05:38 Key points summarised by AI

Anti-establishment groups, led by Ratsadon and Salaya Student, are gathering on Aksa Road in Bangkok, having secured police permission for a rally extending into Monday morning.
Authorities require strict compliance with the Public Assembly Act, mandating protesters to remain within designated roads, refrain from messages causing unrest or defamation, limit noise, and maintain a 150-meter distance from a nearby palace.

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.