Politics Thaksin’s Presence at Tariff Talks Justified, Says Pheu Thai

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Key figures in the Pheu Thai Party are brushing off fresh claims that ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra is unlawfully swaying the party, stressing his advisory role is entirely legitimate.

 

Wisut Chainarun, who is a Pheu Thai MP and the chief government whip, addressed the growing criticism on Sunday concerning Thaksin’s attendance at a policy meeting about US tariffs with "Team Thailand" at Ban Phitsanulok. Concerns have been raised about possible illegal influence over the party or the government.

 

The Political Parties Act, specifically sections 28 and 29, prohibits external influence from non-members on party activities, carrying hefty penalties including potential party dissolution. Thaksin, often considered Pheu Thai's guiding figure, holds no official membership.

 

MWisut firmly stated that Thaksin’s economic advice given at a forum does not constitute interference. "Thaksin never orders MPs or officials. He is meticulous with his language and actions," Wisut commented.

 

Thaksin’s invitation to share his experience at the meeting was purely consultative, according to Wisut. He also criticised frequent legal actions against Thaksin: “Are you so afraid of Thaksin? This endless fixation on litigation is tiresome."

 

Anusorn Iamsa-ard, another Pheu Thai MP, defended Thaksin’s involvement too, highlighting the value of Thaksin’s expertise in addressing the tariff issue. He mentioned the government’s openness to insights from all sectors and its aim to negotiate reducing US tariffs below 36% by 1 August.

 

Thaksin is also expected to speak on Thailand's economic prospects on Thursday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and lead a major Buddhist ceremony at Wat Ban Rai in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The matter grabbed attention after ex-Supreme Court judge What Tingsamitr claimed on Facebook that Thaksin's activities could be perceived as exerting control over Pheu Thai.

 

He pointed to Thaksin's numerous public engagements, including interviews and forums, as indications of his indirect influence on the party.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-14

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

Thailand would be a lot better off if Taksin went back to live in Dubai.

[Will B Good]

Thaksin’s Presence at Tariff Talks Justified, Says Pheu Thai........

 

In the immortal words (kind of) of Mandy Rice-Davies.......well they would say that wouldn't they.....

[khunPer]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

MWisut firmly stated that Thaksin’s economic advice given at a forum does not constitute interference. "Thaksin never orders MPs or officials. He is meticulous with his language and actions," Wisut commented.

Wonder what happen if khun Thaksin's advice is not followed...

[lordgrinz]

Well, that's cute, self endorsement.

 

Quote

Thaksin’s Presence at Tariff Talks Justified, Says Pheu Thai

 

[FlorC]

Thaksin’s Presence at Tariff Talks Justified, Says Pheu Thai

 

Only if it changes nothing , to highlight his uselessness.

Or if Trump adds some more on top of the 36 %.

[Karma80]

Thai economy is collapsing on his and PT's watch, no matter if it's him or whichever sock puppet is PM.

[BritScot]

Considering his success as Thai PM before the military marched in and destroyed the country twice. Just remember GDP was at 14%, the baht wasn't artificially high and life for both Working Thai's and expats was good. I remember!!! I didn't like him but he fixed the country. As his sister tried to do with rice pledging scheme  ( it wasn't hr fault Thais just couldn't help themselves from thieving).

[newbee2022]

Everybody who can make it better than 36% is welcome

[JBChiangRai]

I just want to come back and spend time with my grandchildren, I have no interest in politics anymore

 

 

[hotchilli]

On 7/14/2025 at 3:48 AM, webfact said:

Key figures in the Pheu Thai Party are brushing off fresh claims that ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra is unlawfully swaying the party, stressing his advisory role is entirely legitimate

So why were no other Thai citizens invited to share their expertise ?

 

[hotchilli]

On 7/14/2025 at 8:13 AM, JimHuaHin said:

Thailand would be a lot better off if Taksin went back to live in Dubai.

That's just geography... better off if he passed away.

[Bruce Aussie]

On 7/14/2025 at 8:13 AM, JimHuaHin said:

Thailand would be a lot better off if Taksin went back to live in Dubai.

Or USA, maybe as Trump advisor.

[MikeandDow]

Thailand going backward taking advice from a know criminal