Cabinet approves ฿10.5bn central fund for flood relief
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Ex-MP Pareena says she is now completely unemployed
AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
Ex-MP Pareena says she is now completely unemployed
13 Sept 13:02Key points summarised by AI
Former Thai MP Pareena Kraikupt accepts the Supreme Court's verdict, which stripped her of parliamentary status and imposed a lifetime political ban for ethical misconduct.
Her misconduct stemmed from a poultry farm encroaching on national forest reserves and land for landless farmers, rendering her "jobless" as she can no longer engage in political or farming activities.
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Today 16:46Key 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.