Pheu Thai to nominate Srettha as PM if Pita fails again : Paetongtarn

27 Sept 05:19 Key points summarised by AI

Pheu Thai party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, plans to nominate Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister should Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat fail his second bid for the premiership on Wednesday.
Paetongtarn endorsed Srettha, highlighting his economic expertise as the most suitable qualification among the party's candidates, with a final decision pending the executive committee's meeting.
Pita's initial PM bid failed over his party's lèse-majesté law stance, and he now faces dual legal challenges: a potential ban on re-nomination and a Constitutional Court review over alleged media shareholding.
Pita has publicly stated he would step down and allow Pheu Thai to form the government if his re-nomination attempt proves unsuccessful.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 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.