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No conflict between labour minister and Thammanat Prompao - government chief whip

14 Sept 00:17 Key points summarised by AI

Government chief whip Nirote Sunthornlekha denied any friction between Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin and PPRP Secretary-General Thammanat Prompao, stating Suchart's private chat comments were merely a joke.
Suchart had admitted discussing an opinion poll in a private chat to assess the Palang Pracharat Party's fading popularity and Thammanat's potential role, given his controversial past.
Nirote also asserted that recent by-election losses to the Democrat party in Songkhla and Chumphon would not cause internal conflict within Palang Pracharat, despite the party being aware of the provinces' political leanings.
Thammanat, who managed the unsuccessful by-election campaigns, has maintained a low profile since the losses and the leaked chat incident.

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.