Constitutional Court judges begin deliberation of PM’s case

2 Oct 06:55 Key points summarised by AI

Constitutional Court judges convened to deliberate the case against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, accused by the opposition Pheu Thai Party of illegally overstaying in the army commander-in-chief's official residence.
A verdict is scheduled for 3 pm under maximum security; if found guilty, the Prime Minister will lose his premiership, and his entire cabinet will be forced out of office.

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.