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Thai PM asked to rescind appointments of 2 people over allegedly shady backgrounds

13 Sept 08:23 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao urgently requested Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to revoke the recent appointments of Amorn Meemano and Phuvit Panyasith as political officials.
Amorn Meemano's appointment sparked significant controversy due to his past as CEO of Crown Tech Advance (later AJ Advance Technology), where he and 40 others were accused by the SEC of manipulating company shares.
The SEC ordered Amorn and others to pay 1.727 billion baht in fines for the alleged stock manipulation, with the case subsequently forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General.
Leaders of the nominating parties, Thai Rak Tham and Prachatham Thai, defended the appointments, asserting they found no criminal offenses in the nominees' backgrounds and emphasized their experience as political observers and advisors.

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.