Thwarted Thai PM candidate Pita vows to run again

30 Sept 23:31 Key points summarised by AI

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), won Thailand's May general election but was blocked from becoming prime minister by conservative, royalist, and pro-military blocs.
He was denied the premiership after failing to secure enough votes across both houses of parliament, primarily due to opposition to his reformist agenda.
Despite facing a Constitutional Court case over media share ownership (which he denies) and his suspension as an MP, Pita defiantly vows to run for prime minister again.
His former allies, Pheu Thai, subsequently formed a coalition government with army-linked parties, leaving MFP in opposition while Pita prepares for future political challenges.

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.