Activist Demands Scrutiny of Minister Nominee’s Past Actions

Activist Demands Scrutiny of Minister Nominee’s Past Actions

Thai political activist Pavin Chachavalpongpun has called on the People’s Party to investigate the conduct of their foreign minister nominee, Pisan Manawapat, over past comments and a decades-old adultery issue. Pavin criticised Pisan for allegedly defending Thailand’s 2014 military coup in a letter to The Washington Post, arguing that this ran counter to democratic values. Pisan responded that the contested letter was drafted by the foreign ministry and denied supporting the coup. The activist also raised concerns about Pisan’s personal life, prompting a public exchange with party figures. The controversy adds to scrutiny around the party’s candidate vetting and ethics standards.