Night at the museum returns

1 Oct 18:35 Key points summarised by AI

The Fine Arts Department hosts its "Night at the Museum" event, offering free evening admission to the National Museum Bangkok (4pm-8pm) on select December weekends (17-19, 25-26), providing a unique opportunity to explore its vast collections without the daytime heat.
Visitors can discover historical treasures such as the sacred Phra Buddha Sihing, early Rattanakosin murals, the Red House's exhibition on Thai children's life, royal chariots, and the newly reopened Chinese-style pavilion, complemented by guided tours and music performances.
Strict COVID-19 safety measures are enforced, requiring two vaccine doses for entry, regular staff testing, and adherence to social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent sanitization protocols to ensure a confident browsing experience.
Concurrently, Museum Siam also participates, opening its doors for free evening visits (5pm-10pm) from December 17-19 for its 11th "Night at the Museum" event, featuring a "Museum Talk" reflecting on its century-long history since 1922.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Today 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.