Thai PM will meet with Putin in Beijing on Wednesday

21 Sept 07:39 Key points summarised by AI

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to hold a side-line meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing during the Belt and Road Forum, marking their first encounter.
The meeting follows Thailand's recent decision to extend visa-free stays for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days, aiming to further promote the significant Russian tourism sector, which saw over one million visitors this year.

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.