Major electoral changes passed

Making a statement: Protesters riding in a convoy as they call for Prayut’s resignation in Bangkok. — AFP

The parliament passed major electoral changes favouring larger parties, a move expected to help Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s military-backed organisation amid speculation of an early election.

Most major parties in parliament backed a set of constitutional amendments that include increasing the number of constituency representatives to 400 from 350 and bringing back an earlier system of casting two ballots – one for a candidate and another for a political party.