Controversial Singapore trip comes in under budget : Padipat

30 Sept 23:35 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada confirmed his recent five-day official visit to Singapore, which drew criticism for being unnecessary, came in significantly under its approved budget.
The 11-member team spent Bt917,009.51, nearly Bt500,000 less than the Bt1.43 million allocated, with Padipat also returning a substantial portion of his hospitality expenses after using them for a reception and an MP.

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.