Court ruling in favour of Prayut adds fuel to protesters’ fire

15 Sept 05:04 Key points summarised by AI

The Constitutional Court unanimously cleared Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of conflict of interest, allowing him to remain in office despite living in an Army residence after retirement.
The verdict, while anticipated by many observers, is expected to intensify anti-establishment protests, with demonstrators accusing the court of double standards and questioning the legitimacy of independent agencies.
Analysts suggest the ruling makes the fight for democracy more difficult, indicating the elite's unwillingness to compromise and potentially prolonging the political deadlock until Prayut's term ends in 2023.
Protesters continue to demand not only Prayut's resignation but also a new democratic Constitution and significant reform of the monarchy, vowing to continue their demonstrations regardless of the court's decision.

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.