AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Pro-monarchy group demands expulsion of Amnesty International from Thailand

23 Sept 02:48 Key points summarised by AI

Thai pro-monarchy groups rallied, demanding the government expel Amnesty International (AI) for allegedly interfering in internal affairs and threatening the monarchy.
The groups accuse AI of supporting anti-monarchy protest leaders, citing a letter-writing campaign urging an end to legal action against them after a Constitutional Court ruling.
Former red-shirt village heads also initiated a signature campaign to oust AI, aiming for one million signatures, echoing the demand for expulsion.
Amnesty International Thailand refuted all allegations, asserting its role as a human rights organization free from political affiliations, funded by public donations, and committed to protecting human rights.

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.