Battle between Thammanat and coalition govt has no losers (except voters): analysts

14 Sept 00:57 Key points summarised by AI

Thammanat's strategic maneuver: Expelled with 20 MPs, Thammanat is poised to form a new party (Setthakij Thai) linked to Deputy PM Prawit, gaining an "independent" power base and increased leverage for ministerial positions, while escaping blame for election losses.
Prayut's tactical advantage: Prime Minister Prayut successfully removed a key rival, solidifying his immediate control over the ruling party. However, this leaves the coalition with a slim parliamentary majority, potentially creating future legislative challenges and reliance on the new Thammanat-aligned faction.
Coalition's sustained power: Analysts view the ouster as a strategic move to prolong the coalition's rule, not a genuine split. All political factions, including Thammanat's new group, are expected to continue bargaining for their self-interests within the government, ensuring its stability at the expense of voters.
No imminent election: An early general election or House dissolution is improbable due to legal hurdles concerning new electoral laws and no party being prepared for a landslide victory, allowing the current government to extend its term.

Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning

Today 15:28 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister announced the government will seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy regarding its recent travel advisory warning Chinese nationals about safety concerns in Thailand.
The travel advisory is anticipated to negatively impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, despite recent increases in arrivals.
A meet-and-greet event featuring Chinese actress Bai Lu, a WeTV Global Ambassador, was abruptly cancelled just days after the Chinese Embassy issued its safety warning, though no official reason was provided.
The Chinese Embassy's advisory urged citizens to beware of job scams, fraudulent investments, suspicious travel arrangements, and the risk of illegal detention or being lured to the Thai-Myanmar border.
Chinese nationals were advised to verify job offers, use legitimate transport, avoid high-risk border areas, protect personal documents, and keep family informed of travel plans.