AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn: The man behind efforts to ‘switch off’ Senate’s power

13 Sept 10:48 Key points summarised by AI

Staunch government critic Somchai Srisutthiyakorn leads a campaign to 'switch off' the Senate's power to join MPs in selecting a prime minister.
The campaign aims to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, arguing that prime ministers should be chosen solely by elected MPs, not unelected senators.
Somchai's initiative has secured backing from opposition parties and over 38,000 citizens, with a goal to collect 70,000 signatures to trigger a people’s motion in the House of Representatives.
Despite confidence, the proposed amendment faces a challenging parliamentary process, requiring specific majorities from both Houses and senators to pass.

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.