Cabinet approves ฿10.5bn central fund for flood relief
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
House Speaker tells MPs to obey rules after incident involving police and minister’s aides
AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
House Speaker tells MPs to obey rules after incident involving police and minister’s aides
13 Sept 11:36Key points summarised by AI
House Speaker Chuan Leekpai urged MPs to adhere to parliamentary rules, emphasizing their role as lawmakers, after aides of Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompow violated COVID-19 entry restrictions.
The Speaker offered moral support to the parliamentary police involved in the confrontation, ensuring the incident was formally recorded as a guideline for future duty, despite reports of the officer apologizing to the minister's aides.
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Yesterday 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.