2022 review: Party lines in Parliament blur as election fever strikes

13 Sept 09:48 Key points summarised by AI

Thai politics experienced significant party-hopping and strategic mergers among smaller parties in late 2022, as politicians geared up for an early 2023 general election.
Changes to the electoral system, including a two-ballot system and higher vote thresholds for party-list seats, are compelling small parties to consolidate for survival and better representation.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is anticipated to dissolve the House in early 2023, a move expected to benefit his new Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and allow MPs to join closer to election day.
Small parties are actively forming alliances, such as the Chart Pattana-Kla merger, to enhance their electoral prospects, while other negotiations face hurdles over leadership and financial arrangements.

Public expects most Kla Tham MPs to back Cabinet in censure vote, NIDA Poll finds

18 Oct 12:30 Key points summarised by AI

A recent NIDA poll indicates that a plurality of the public (30.38%) anticipates Kla Tham Party MPs will vote to support all 18 cabinet ministers targeted in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
Respondents believe the Ministry of Interior (38.78%) and the Prime Minister’s Office (21.37%) will face the toughest questioning during the censure debate.
Economic issues, particularly alleged incompetence in addressing problems (34.27%) and the rising cost of living (25.88%), are cited as the primary concerns for the government during the censure.
The public holds high expectations for the Opposition's case, with 45.65% believing clear, concrete evidence will be presented against all 18 ministers, and 41.22% expecting substantial evidence against specific ministers.