Can Prayut and Thammanat walk on separate tightropes?

23 Sept 05:00 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and controversial political figure Thammanat Prompao have decisively split, marking a treacherous end to their alliance and setting them on divergent paths.
Thammanat's departure significantly weakens Prayut's government, undermining his parliamentary influence and jeopardizing his prospects for a second term, forcing difficult choices between House dissolution or a challenging 'muddle through' strategy.
Thammanat is poised to explore new political avenues, potentially forming a new party, as he seeks to leverage his power-broking skills within the fluid Thai political landscape, even without a clear path to a powerful cabinet position.
The breakup is seen as a major boost for the opposition, with even Prayut's supporters acknowledging the increased vulnerability of the government in future elections due to the loss of Thammanat's crucial support.
The situation highlights a persistent characteristic of Thai politics where 'organizing ability' and influence-peddling remain paramount, allowing controversial figures to thrive amidst a system prone to intricate political maneuvering.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.