Democratic drive to impeach Trump after Capitol siege speeds ahead

23 Sept 03:02 Key points summarised by AI

House Democrats are rapidly advancing plans to impeach President Trump for a second time, accusing him of inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, with a vote expected as early as Wednesday.
The impeachment push offers Trump a final opportunity to resign or face removal via the 25th Amendment, though Vice President Mike Pence is reportedly opposed to invoking it.
Despite likely House approval, Trump's actual removal before his term ends on Jan. 20 appears remote due to the short timeframe and the requirement for a two-thirds Senate conviction.
Security is being significantly heightened for the upcoming inauguration and across state capitals, following warnings of further armed protests from some Trump supporters.

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.