All eyes on ruling party as Prayut-Thammanat battle rages on

13 Sept 06:38 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Thammanat Prompao are engaged in a bitter power struggle within the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, leading to Thammanat's removal from the Cabinet but his retention of the powerful secretary-general position.
Prayut's faction attempted to oust Thammanat from his party role through executive resignations and a proposed restructuring plan designed to decentralize the secretary-general's authority.
Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan supports both Prayut and Thammanat, viewing Thammanat as indispensable for the party's success in the upcoming election and even threatening to quit politics if the internal dispute persists.
Analysts emphasize Thammanat's crucial role due to his strong connections and ability to manage party members, making him irreplaceable for electoral victories, particularly against a revitalized opposition.
The conflict is expected to continue, potentially damaging Prayut, while the party faces ongoing challenges with parliamentary unity and quorum, with Thammanat's faction playing a pivotal role.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.