PM did not suggest he will step down to pave way for Paetongtarn : Phumtham

14 Sept 07:17 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy party leader Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed speculation that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin would resign to pave the way for new Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, clarifying the PM's recent remarks.
Phumtham explained that Srettha's praise and interactions with Paetongtarn were simply a "show of admiration and mutual respect," not an indication of a planned handover or a two-year term limit for the current PM.

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.