Thai defence minister dodges question on blacklisting Hun Sen, urges unity and political stability
BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) on Friday (June 20) addressed the recent developments within the coalition government following the release of a leaked audio clip between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and President of the Cambodian Senate.
Phumtham stated that the PM will coordinate and discuss the issue, as she is both the party leader and head of government.
He explained that the current situation, with the political tensions caused by the leaked audio, is not something that would result in the PM's resignation or a dissolution of the government at this time.
'The government has not resigned or been dissolved. As such, the focus is now on adjusting the Cabinet. The Prime Minister's office will remain in place, with only Bhumjaithai leaving the coalition. Other parties will continue to work together as we adjust our efforts accordingly,' Phumtham said.
When asked about the political parties' ongoing support for Paetongtarn, he responded: 'Yes, they continue to support her.' He also affirmed his confidence in the remaining coalition parties, saying that they are still committed.
On the issue of the call for Paetongtarn to resign, Phumtham mentioned:
'I believe those involved have already spoken with the Prime Minister, and there is no issue. Everyone has heard the clip and understands there's no real problem. It's a diplomatic negotiation technique. There's always a push and pull in diplomacy.
"If you listen to the audio, there's nothing wrong with it. It was simply a conversation, and there's no indication of anything that would warrant legal charges or create any issues. I've already spoken with the Commander of the 2nd Army Region, and there are no problems, so everyone can feel at ease.' - The Nation/ANN
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UPDATE -- Thai PM will not resign or dissolve parliament, ruling party official says
Activists have scheduled a protest in Bangkok on June 28 to ask for Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation. -- PHOTO: REUTERS BANGKOK (Reuters): Thailand's embattled prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not resign or dissolve parliament, a senior official from the ruling Pheu Thai party said on Saturday, risking a prolonged political crisis in South-Est Asia's second largest economy. Sorawong Thienthong, who also serves as Thailand's tourism minister, said in a Facebook post that the prime minister would not quit, despite growing calls for her resignation after her apparent mishandling of a border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia. "The prime minister has clearly confirmed to us that she will continue to perform her duty to resolve various crises that the country is facing to the best of her ability," he said. "The government confirms that it will continue to work, not resign, and not dissolve parliament." Paetongtarn, daughter of divisive tycoon and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is facing domestic anger over the leak of a phone call between her and Cambodia's influential former leader Hun Sen, in which she appeared to kowtow before the veteran politician and denigrated a senior Thai military commander. The Bhumjaithai Party, which was the second-biggest partner in Thailand's ruling coalition, withdrew from the alliance late on Wednesday, citing the leak earlier that day. Another coalition member, the United Thai Nation party, looked set to demand Paetongtarn's resignation in return for backing the Pheu Thai-led ruling coalition and securing its narrow parliamentary majority. Paetongtarn has apologised for the call with Hun Sen, but not commented on the crisis so far. Activists have also scheduled a protest in Bangkok starting on June 28 to ask for Paetongtarn's resignation, among them groups with a history of influential rallies against Shinawatra administrations. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Orathai Sriring; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Mark Potter) - Reuters
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Cambodia's Hun Sen warns Thailand on oil export suspension
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has strongly responded to a recent proposal by Thailand's opposition party calling for the Thai government to halt oil exports to Cambodia. In a Facebook post on Friday (June 20), Hun Sen rejected the idea, firmly stating that Cambodia would not collapse if it ceased receiving oil from Thailand. He also warned that such a move could backfire on Thailand, particularly affecting Thai companies, such as PTT, which operates gas stations in Cambodia. "This is a dangerous game that may end up backfiring," Hun Sen wrote. "Today, the Thai opposition party has suggested that the Thai government stop selling oil to Cambodia, hoping to pressure us into submission. "We want to make it clear that Cambodia will not fall apart just because we stop buying oil from Thailand. In fact, PTT, a Thai company operating in Cambodia, may feel the impact first." Hun Sen further cautioned that if Thailand implemented this measure, it could force PTT to rely on oil imports from other countries to maintain its operations in Cambodia. He also suggested that the Cambodian government consider diversifying its oil sources and reducing dependence on Thailand for other goods. "I advise the government to seriously consider reducing imports from Thailand. "If the border issues remain unresolved, Cambodia should suspend imports of all canned products from Thailand, including alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, canned fish, and meat, and turn to domestic products or goods from other countries," he added. Hun Sen also highlighted that energy was not the only area of contention. He recalled how Thailand had previously used internet access, electricity, and Cambodian labour as political tools. He remarked that Thailand had once used Cambodian workers as leverage, but now seemed to be more conciliatory, recognising the severe impact it would face if Cambodian workers were sent back. "If you truly dare, try sending all Cambodian workers back and see how Thailand's economy fares," he challenged. Finally, Hun Sen called on the Cambodian people to look beyond the present and plan long-term, especially with regard to economic influence being used as a political tool. He urged the country to prepare for future challenges and the potential misuse of economic power in regional geopolitics. "Let us plan for the future, beyond 2030, and be ready for any situation where economic influence is used as a political weapon," Hun Sen concluded. - The Nation/ANN
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Thai-Cambodian border remains calm, confirms 2nd Army Region chief
BANGKOK: The chief of the 2nd Army Region, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, confirmed on Saturday (June 21) that the Thai-Cambodian border remains peaceful, with no incidents of violence. He also stated that political matters have not impacted military operations, with each side continuing to perform their respective duties. Boonsin made these remarks after presiding over a ceremony at Wat Sawang Suwannaram in Nakhon Phanom province, where a 29-inch bronze Buddha statue, valued at over 190,000 baht, was offered. The ceremony included a procession around the ordination hall followed by a religious ritual to place the statue inside the sacred Phra That Saeng Nakhon, a religious monument in Mueang Nakhon Phanom district. Chao Khun Phet Phraratchasiriwat, the abbot of the temple, led the religious ceremony, and the public gathered to offer flowers in support. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Regarding the situation on the border, Boonsin confirmed that the area remains calm with no significant military movements. He stated that ongoing communication and coordination between the Thai and Cambodian armed forces continue, with Cambodia respecting its border and no incursions into Thai territory. The heightened tensions, he explained, are more related to domestic political issues in Thailand rather than any military conflict. Boonsin emphasised that the Thai military remains focused on safeguarding the country's sovereignty and security. He reassured the public that political movements within the country have not affected the military's responsibilities in border security. He also noted that concerns over potential clashes are primarily dependent on the policies of the Cambodian government. Regarding a recent incident involving a group of Cambodians singing at Ta Krabei Temple in Surin, Boonsin stated that the Thai military has coordinated with Cambodian authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. He indicated that the situation was more politically motivated than related to military conflict. The military chief assured the public that the Thai army remains committed to defending the nation's sovereignty and urged people to rely on credible news sources for information. "The military confirms that it will perform its duties with the utmost dedication to the nation, religion, monarchy, and the people. "As for the misunderstanding regarding the prime minister and the military leadership, it has been clarified and apologised for, with no impact on the military's work," Boonsin concluded. - The Nation/ANN
