2020 sees one small step towards a new, democratic charter

13 Sept 21:36 Key points summarised by AI

Lawmakers in 2020 passed initial drafts to establish a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), marking a limited advance in Thailand's push for constitutional reform.
Despite this, the 'people's bill' for a full rewrite, including monarchy reforms, was rejected, fueling widespread protests and violent clashes that injured at least 55 people.
The path to a new, democratic charter remains contentious, with the military-backed 2017 Constitution proving difficult to amend due to senatorial opposition and legal challenges from royalist groups.

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.