House Speaker maintains his rejection of Pheu Thai’s draft charter amendments

13 Sept 22:47 Key points summarised by AI

House Speaker Chuan Leekpai reiterated his rejection of Pheu Thai’s draft charter amendments, asserting it seeks to rewrite, rather than merely amend, the current constitution.
Chuan defended his decision by strictly adhering to the Constitutional Court’s ruling, which permits charter amendments but prohibits a complete overhaul of the existing charter.
Pheu Thai MP Cholnan Srikaew challenged the Speaker's interpretation, arguing the draft aims to establish a Constitution Drafting Assembly and that Chuan's decision obstructs MPs' parliamentary duties.
The Speaker maintained that accepting Pheu Thai's draft, particularly with Chapter 15/1, would effectively revoke the current Constitution, requiring a national referendum and violating the Court's legally binding order.
The ongoing three-day parliamentary session is debating 13 other charter amendment drafts from various political parties, with a final vote anticipated on Thursday, without an extension for debate.

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.