AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Half of poll respondents unhappy with “digital wallet” spending restrictions

13 Sept 09:56 Key points summarised by AI

Approximately 50% of NIDA Poll respondents disagree with the government's guidelines restricting the 10,000 baht digital wallet benefit to purchases of food, drinks, and essential consumer products.
A significant 69% of respondents oppose the government's plan to fund the digital wallet scheme through a 500 billion baht loan bill.

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.