Defence minister to testify to House committee on submarine deal

24 Sept 00:02 Key points summarised by AI

Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang will explain to the House Military Affairs Committee his decision to switch from procuring a Chinese submarine to a more expensive frigate.
The minister's decision was influenced by legal issues concerning the submarine's engine (German vs. Chinese), training costs, and the desire to maintain strategic cooperation with China, framing the change as a review rather than a cancellation of the original deal.

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.