Approved charter amendment draft to be sent to Thai PM on Monday

15 Sept 02:31 Key points summarised by AI

House Speaker Chuan Leekpai will submit the recently passed constitutional amendment draft to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday for Royal Assent.
The 15-day period for challenging the draft's constitutionality by MPs or Senators concludes Sunday without any formal challenges, despite a political activist's dismissed petition.
The amendments aim to revive the two-ballot electoral system, allocating 400 constituency MPs and 100 party-list MPs, by modifying Sections 83, 86, and 91 of the Constitution.
This electoral system shift is anticipated to benefit major parties like Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharat, while potentially disadvantaging smaller and medium-sized parties that previously gained from the mixed-member apportionment system.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 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.