Thamanat's group votes with Opposition over Thailand’s draft liquor bill

23 Sept 06:30 Key points summarised by AI

Thamanat Prompow's Thai Economic Party MPs voted with the Opposition to support a draft liquor bill aimed at breaking the domestic liquor oligopoly.
The group specifically opposed sending the bill to the cabinet for vetting, believing it would deprive local brewers and ordinary people of business opportunities.
This vote clearly indicates Thamanat's group has broken away from the control of Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, contradicting previous claims of loyalty.
The draft bill, proposed by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, seeks to open Thailand's lucrative liquor industry to new entrants, including local craft brewers, currently dominated by a few families.

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.