Democrat upheaval: Tracing eight decades of ups and downs for Thailand’s oldest party

13 Sept 05:14 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Democrat Party, established in 1946, has a long history marked by both significant electoral victories and profound internal divisions that have threatened its existence.
The party experienced a major split in 1987, known as the 'Group of January 10,' which saw 40 MPs defect, form a rival party, and significantly reduce the Democrats' parliamentary representation.
A more recent crisis in 2023 involved mass defections of veteran politicians, contributing to the party's worst electoral performance and a complete loss of seats in its former stronghold of Bangkok.
Ongoing internal strife, including a battle for party leadership between rival factions, has led to failed executive elections and casts uncertainty over the future of Thailand's oldest political party.

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.