Supreme Court acquits Yingluck over transfer of NSC chief in 2011

13 Sept 05:59 Key points summarised by AI

The Supreme Court acquitted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of malfeasance charges related to the 2011 transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri.
The court clarified that previous rulings by the Constitutional and Supreme Administrative Courts were not binding on criminal liability, as they addressed ministerial qualifications and transfer legitimacy, respectively.
Witness testimonies did not confirm an ulterior motive for Thawil's transfer, concluding it was a normal exercise of the prime minister's authority.
The court found no evidence that Yingluck dictated or interfered with the transfer, dismissing suggestions it was orchestrated to appoint a relative as national police chief.

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.