Charter Court finds Prayut not guilty of ethics breaches

13 Sept 15:39 Key points summarised by AI

The Constitutional Court exonerated Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from ethics and conflict of interest charges.
Accusations arose from his continued residence at a Royal Thai Army property after retiring as army chief, allegedly without paying rent or utilities.
The court affirmed his right to stay under army regulations for former senior personnel, citing security needs and ongoing renovations at the official prime minister's residence.
The army supported its decision, explaining it's customary to provide housing and security privileges to former senior officers who have significantly contributed to the nation.

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.