Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Govt., Chulabhorn Royal Academy reject unqualified company offers of COVID-19 vaccines
AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
Govt., Chulabhorn Royal Academy reject unqualified company offers of COVID-19 vaccines
13 Sept 08:07Key points summarised by AI
Thai authorities reject unqualified vaccine offer: The Thai government and Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA) dismissed a real estate company's offer of 20 million Sinopharm vaccine doses, citing the firm's lack of an import license and registration for pharmaceutical trade.
Company's claims unsubstantiated: Accap Assets, a real estate firm, was found unqualified to import medical products, and the CRA secretary-general denied receiving their offer, emphasizing that only authorized government representatives can deal with vaccine manufacturers.
Clear protocol for vaccine imports: The government stated that legitimate companies must contact the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) directly and provide proper documentation from manufacturers for TFDA approval, as private firms cannot directly import vaccines.
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.