Charter Court hears case on Move Forward plan to amend lèse majesté law

14 Sept 04:39 Key points summarised by AI

The Constitutional Court convened to hear a petition against the Move Forward Party and former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, alleging their pledge to amend the lèse majesté law (Section 112) constitutes an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy.
Petitioner Thirayuth Suwankaesoorn expressed confidence in his case, aiming to halt the amendment and suggesting a favorable ruling could lead to the party's dissolution by the Election Commission.
Pita Limjaroenrat asserted that the party's proposed amendment is constitutional and not an act to undermine the monarchy, expressing faith in the court's impartiality.
The court is expected to announce its ruling date for this case, likely in late January or early February, with a separate ruling on Pita's iTV media share ownership case scheduled for January 24th.

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.