MRT decides to cut fares on Purple Line to 20 baht max by Dec 1

1 Oct 09:04 Key points summarised by AI

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT) board has approved a maximum fare of 20 baht for the Purple Line train service, effective from December 1, with children and elderly fares set between 7 and 10 baht.
This fare reduction, following a similar move on the Red Line, is projected to incur an annual revenue loss of 190 million baht for MRT but is expected to boost daily ridership by 10,000, reaching 66,000 commuters.
To offset the financial impact, MRT plans to adjust revenue contributions from its Blue Line and real estate projects to the Finance Ministry, aligning with the government's policy to cap all Bangkok train fares at 20 baht.

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.