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Corrections Department claims officers wanted to separate Ratsadon detainees for COVID-19 screening

13 Sept 08:52 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Corrections Department clarified claims by Ratsadon leader Anon Nampa regarding suspicious late-night attempts to separate detainees.
The department stated officers, accompanied by medics, visited the cell at 11 pm to conduct COVID-19 tests on seven Ratsadon leaders.
The Ratsadon group refused testing and resisted transfer, prompting officers to move the other nine detainees to a different cell instead to prevent disease spread.
The department maintains that officers were performing their duty, denying any arbitrary or harmful intent towards the detainees.

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham party leaders sparked rumors of a potential merger, though Bhumjaithai's leader, Anutin, downplayed it as a casual meal.
The meeting is widely interpreted as a strategic message from Bhumjaithai to the Pheu Thai party, signaling alternative support ahead of an upcoming no-confidence debate.
Thailand's Constitution (Section 99) currently prohibits direct mergers of parties with sitting MPs during the House's term, a rule designed to prevent the 'buying and selling' of MPs.
While direct mergers are restricted, MPs can still switch parties if dismissed by a three-fourths party vote or if their party dissolves, allowing for indirect political realignments.
Kla Tham's voting behavior in the censure debate will demonstrate its loyalty to the government, potentially influencing future political dynamics despite current merger restrictions.