Thailand’s two-ballot electoral system comes into force

13 Sept 23:52 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's new two-ballot electoral system officially takes effect, altering how parliamentary seats are allocated in the next general election.
The updated system maintains a 500-member House of Representatives, now comprising 400 constituency MPs and 100 party-list MPs.
Voters will cast two separate ballots: one for their local constituency representative and another for a political party's list.
This reform replaces a single-ballot system criticized for undermining major parties and fostering fragmented coalition governments, with the new system expected to benefit larger political entities.

Public expects most Kla Tham MPs to back Cabinet in censure vote, NIDA Poll finds

18 Oct 12:30 Key points summarised by AI

A recent NIDA poll indicates that a plurality of the public (30.38%) anticipates Kla Tham Party MPs will vote to support all 18 cabinet ministers targeted in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
Respondents believe the Ministry of Interior (38.78%) and the Prime Minister’s Office (21.37%) will face the toughest questioning during the censure debate.
Economic issues, particularly alleged incompetence in addressing problems (34.27%) and the rising cost of living (25.88%), are cited as the primary concerns for the government during the censure.
The public holds high expectations for the Opposition's case, with 45.65% believing clear, concrete evidence will be presented against all 18 ministers, and 41.22% expecting substantial evidence against specific ministers.