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Residents barricade their community in Nakhon Si Thammarat against COVID-19

13 Sept 08:09 Key points summarised by AI

Nakhon Si Thammarat villagers barricaded their community after 77 workers at a nearby gold leaf factory tested positive for COVID-19, sparking fears of wider transmission.
The factory cluster sparked widespread concern as families of infected workers reside in the main town, and one case was linked to a local gambling cluster.
Provincial health officials reported a surge in cases, with cumulative infections reaching 976 (excluding the new 77 factory cases) and 17 deaths since April 1st.
Separately, authorities in Ayutthaya ordered the closure of a mall construction site for three days after 26 workers tested positive, bringing the total infections at that site to over 180.

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.