Protesters close Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue for demonstration

13 Sept 21:51 Key points summarised by AI

Protesters occupied Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, around the Democracy Monument, demanding the Prime Minister's resignation, a new Constitution, and reforms, concluding their demonstration by 6:40 pm.
Separately, an activist network from Songkhla initiated an overnight protest at Government House, advocating for the revocation of the Chana city plan and the cancellation of an industrial project.
A third group of disabled individuals demonstrated at the Social Development and Human Security ministry, seeking equal rights, improved living standards, and the inclusion of basic entitlements in the 2017 Constitution.

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.