Another veteran Democrat quits the party today

14 Sept 16:33 Key points summarised by AI

Veteran Democrat MP Sathit Wongnongtaey resigned from the party, stating it has "lost its soul" under its new leadership.
His departure follows former party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's resignation and reflects a growing sentiment that the party has fundamentally changed.
Wongnongtaey, who spent 40 years with the party, will not join another but anticipates more members will quit due to dissatisfaction with the new executive committee.

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.