The Thai diplomat, Pisan Manawapat, has denied allegations of backing Thailand’s military junta during his tenure as ambassador to the United States. In response to criticisms from academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Pisan clarified in a letter to The Washington Post that statements seemingly in support of the junta were actually crafted by the Foreign Ministry, not reflecting his personal views.

Pisan, recently tapped by the People’s party as a senior member for foreign affairs, served as ambassador to Canada during the 2014 coup that overthrew prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Prayut Chan-o-cha appointed Pisan as ambassador to the United States in 2015, and he retired in 2017. Critics have questioned his role during the transition to junta rule, but Pisan insists the letter in question followed standard protocol for addressing foreign media, offering an "alternative perspective."

The People’s party, which stands firmly against military interventions and advocates for democratic resolutions to political strife, introduced Pisan ahead of the February 8 general election, where he's poised to become foreign minister if the party gains power. Pisan, recalling his time in Canada on the coup day, stated he partook in live interviews to protect Thailand’s reputation, maintaining that he did not endorse the coup during those discussions, only representing Thailand as a whole.

He encouraged critics to examine his commitment to human rights through his parliamentary speeches in "Senator’s Report to the People: Very Difficult Missions Still Awaiting Action. " Pisan also addressed a personal controversy over two decades ago, emphasising that he took responsibility and underwent disciplinary measures at the time. He mentioned his family's support in continuing his political career to help restore Thailand’s international standing.

Looking forward, the focus remains on Pisan’s potential role if the People’s party triumphs in the upcoming elections, with expectations as to how he will navigate international relations and domestic political tensions. His statement serves as an effort to separate his past diplomatic duties from personal beliefs, reflecting the complex backdrop of Thai politics, reported Thai PBS WORLD.

Key Takeaways

• Pisan Manawapat denies supporting Thailand’s military junta during his time as ambassador.

• The letter to The Washington Post was provided by the Foreign Ministry.

• The People's party advocates for democratic solutions and opposes military takeovers.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS WORLD 2026-01-08

 

 

Future Forward, Move Forward and, now, the People's Party have never chosen corruption. Move Forward won the majority of votes last election on to have the best PM candidate seen in this country since Pridi, Piya Limjaroenrat, banned by the corrupt Constitutional Court. People's Party is the only way we'll see any change in Thailand.

1 minute ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Future Forward, Move Forward and, now, the People's Party have never chosen corruption. Move Forward won the majority of votes last election on to have the best PM candidate seen in this country since Pridi, Piya Limjaroenrat, banned by the corrupt Constitutional Court. People's Party is the only way we'll see any change in Thailand.

33% or so votes is not a clear majority , i doubt they will get the required 50.1% to govern in the election either .

13 hours ago, gtr said:

33% or so votes is not a clear majority , i doubt they will get the required 50.1% to govern in the election either .

That cheeky Move Forward go 14 million votes of 39 million, yes, 35%. A party does not need 50.1% in Thailand, only a majority or be ranking member of a coalition govt.

Critics have questioned his role during the transition to junta rule, but Pisan insists the letter in question followed standard protocol for addressing foreign media, offering an "alternative perspective."

My version ?