Vote on media ethics bill adjourned due to lack of a quorum

2 Oct 19:46 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai Parliament's joint sitting adjourned its vote on a media ethics bill due to a lack of a quorum, an issue that has plagued sessions four times this year.
The proposed bill, which seeks to establish a media ethics council, faces strong opposition from media practitioners and opposition MPs who fear it will restrict media freedom and lead to government control.
Proponents, including some senators and the Prime Minister's Office Minister, defend the bill, asserting it aims to promote media ethics and responsibility without curtailing press freedom, noting its power is limited to reprimands, not penalties.

Cabinet approves same-sex cohabitation bill

22 Oct 09:40 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's cabinet approved a landmark bill to legalize cohabitation for intersex couples, potentially making it the first Asian nation to formally recognize LGBT partnerships.
The proposed law grants registered intersex couples significant rights, including collective financial management, inheritance, medical consent, and the ability to arrange funerals.
This legislative move aims to rectify the existing legal framework that only recognizes heterosexual marriage, aligning Thai law with human rights principles and the reality of intersex couples living together.