Protest at Ratchaprasong this evening, roads in area to be avoided

22 Sept 11:00 Key points summarised by AI

Move Forward party supporters will rally at Ratchaprasong intersection from 5 pm, leading Bangkok police to advise motorists to avoid surrounding roads from 3 pm due to expected traffic.
The protest, initiated by Sombat Boonngamanong, highlights widespread voter frustration over the two-month delay in forming a government and selecting a prime minister after the general election.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.