Move Forward found its two MPs guilty of sexual harassment

23 Sept 01:15 Key points summarised by AI

The opposition Move Forward party's disciplinary board found two MPs, Wutthipong Thonglao and Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, guilty of sexual harassment.
Wutthipong Thonglao, an MP for Prachin Buri, was expelled from the party due to his misconduct.
Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, a Bangkok MP, was placed on probation, required to apologize, compensate the victim, and faces potential expulsion if he fails to comply, as the party lacked the necessary three-fourths vote for immediate expulsion.
The party's decision to expel only one MP sparked significant criticism, with former secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and several female MPs accusing the party of double standards.
The controversy has led to internal party dissent and public disappointment regarding the handling of sexual harassment cases within the organization.

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.