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Pichate Satirachaval: Coalition rebel plants ‘time bomb’ under Prayut’s government

13 Sept 09:24 Key points summarised by AI

Coalition MP Pichate Satirachaval, a recent Palang Pracharath Party member, is actively challenging his own government by exposing alleged irregularities.
He targeted Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat over a 25.6-billion-baht water pipeline project concession, leading to a suspended contract signing and a Finance Ministry investigation.
Despite a six-month party suspension, Pichate remains defiant, pledging to collaborate with the opposition to grill the project's transparency during the upcoming no-confidence debate.
Political observers view Pichate's maneuvering as a 'political time bomb' designed to destabilize Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government from within, especially as he leads a faction of dissatisfied small coalition 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.