Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Press Freedom: No laws can win over the truth - Thai PBS World Tonight [3rd May 2021]
AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
Press Freedom: No laws can win over the truth - Thai PBS World Tonight [3rd May 2021]
15 Sept 02:04Key points summarised by AI
Reports from the Asia Democracy Network and Reporters without Borders indicate that five Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, utilize states of emergency and cyber laws to curtail freedom of expression and online content.
Thailand's 2019 cyber-security law significantly expands executive powers, threatening both online and general publishing freedoms, with experts emphasizing media freedom as a vital tool for government oversight and balance.
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Today 16:46Key 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.