Has Anutin become a pawn in Prayut’s COVID blame game?

13 Sept 11:35 Key points summarised by AI

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul faces intense public criticism and calls for resignation amid Thailand's escalating COVID-19 crisis and record deaths.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has increasingly sidelined Anutin, taking direct command of vaccine procurement, emergency hotlines, and overall COVID-19 administration.
Anutin has publicly deflected blame, asserting he is a subordinate following the Prime Minister's supreme authority and policies.
Political observers interpret these events as a strategic blame game and power struggle within the ruling coalition, with Prayut potentially aiming to weaken Anutin's Bhumjaithai party.
Despite the conflict, Anutin's removal is unlikely as it could lead to the collapse of the entire government coalition.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Today 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.