Latest news with #TheNation
The Star
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
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
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
United Thai Nation Party holds off on coalition decision, seeks talks with PM Paetongtarn first
BANGKOK: United Thai Nation Party to hold talks with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before deciding whether to withdraw from government coalition. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, party leader and Energy Minister, made a brief statement after the party's executive committee meeting regarding the leaked audio clip of a conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. He said, "The meeting has decided that I will report this to the Prime Minister," before walking past the group of reporters and heading to his car. The meeting was attended by only nine members of the party's executive committee. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Notably, members of the "Group 18" faction, led by Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Leader of the Party and Deputy Commerce Minister, were not invited to attend. The United Thai Nation Party's position is to withdraw from the government coalition, though there is some confusion about the exact meaning of this decision. There are two interpretations of the resolution: - The party's stance is for Prime Minister Paetongtarn to resign to take responsibility. This means that the party would notify her of the decision for her to step down, but would continue supporting the Pheu Thai-led government if a new prime minister is appointed. If Paetongtarn refuses to resign, the party will hold another meeting to decide on its next course of action. - Photo: The Nation/ANN - The party's resolution is to withdraw from the coalition and also inform the Prime Minister of the decision for her to resign, regardless of whether she agrees to step down or not. The party will hold a press conference tomorrow to announce its withdrawal from the government. However, the delay in immediately announcing the resolution suggests that the first option or approach is more likely. Alternatively, if the second approach is adopted, the party may use the withdrawal resolution to pressure the Prime Minister into resigning. If she does step down, discussions for forming a new government could resume; if not, the party will proceed with its withdrawal. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Thai durian exports soar thanks to enhanced services at China's Youyiguan border
BANGKOK: Thailand's durian exports have seen an increase, following improved services at the Youyiguan border in China, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) said on Thursday (June 19). Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, the department's director-general, revealed that Niti Pratoomvongsa, Director of the Thai Trade Centre in Nanning, reported that Youyiguan is now one of China's key land border crossings, linking to Vietnam and other Asean countries. It is also the largest land border crossing for fruit imports and exports. The customs procedures at Youyiguan have been continually improved with the introduction of advanced technological innovations. These measures have enhanced efficiency, ensuring smooth passage for trucks entering and leaving the country. The improved services led to a smooth passage for fruit-laden trucks during the Dragon Boat Festival, which took place from May 31 to June 2. Over these three days, more than 8,800 trucks crossed the border, averaging 2,934 trucks per day, an 89% increase compared to previous periods. Despite the high volume of trucks, the border crossing remained efficient. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Regarding the export of Thai fruits to China, particularly durian, a significant number of trucks carrying Thai durians passed through Youyiguan. In May 2025, 4,540 containers of Thai durian were processed at the border, with an average of 150 containers per day. This number has increased to about 170 containers daily due to the randomised inspection procedures by customs. This process has expedited the release of imported durians. "Youyiguan is the busiest land border crossing for Thai durians in China," said Sunanta. "Despite the heavy traffic due to an increasing number of trucks, the modern management system, faster random pesticide checks, and relaxed procedures have allowed Thailand to continue to increase its durian exports to China." The DITP advises exporters to consider alternative border crossings, such as Mohan, Mohan Railway, Hekou, Tianbao, Nansha Port, Dongxin, Pingxiang Railway, Longpang, Hsinchu Port, and Wuxi International Airport, to avoid potential transport delays caused by heavy traffic at the land border crossings. These other crossings are well-equipped to handle fruit imports, helping to prevent potential damage or degradation in product quality due to traffic congestion, Sunanta added. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Army dismisses fake news of Cambodian troops blocking Thai road
BANGKOK: Royal Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvari (pic) on Sunday (June 15) dismissed a claim by a Facebook page that fully armed Cambodian troops had blocked a Thai border road near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani. Winthai said there was no such incident involving Cambodian troops crossing the border to obstruct the road leading to the Emerald Triangle, as alleged by the Facebook page. The page, which Winthai did not name, claimed that Cambodian soldiers had prevented Thai troops from repairing a road near Chong Bok in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani. It further alleged that Thai troops attempted to negotiate with their Cambodian counterparts for a second time at around 12.45 pm. However, Winthai said he had verified the information with the military base responsible for the area and was informed that no such incident had occurred. He added that the road used for providing logistical support to the border area near Chong Bok and the Emerald Triangle lies well within Thai territory, and Cambodian troops are aware of this, making it unlikely they would attempt to block it. Winthai concluded that the report was entirely false and should be regarded as fake news. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Who is Khliang Huot? The interpreter in the Paetongtarn-Hun Sen audio clip
BANGKOK: Khliang Huot, a close aide to Hun Sen and a key figure in the Thai-Cambodia ties, is revealed as the interpreter in the explosive audio clip involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn. The controversial audio clip featuring Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in conversation with Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, has sparked widespread debate. Questions around the appropriateness of the conversation, its rightness or wrongness, and speculations about potential betrayals will, in due course, be addressed. However, one aspect that many people are curious about is the identity of the interpreter, who facilitated communication between the Thai leader and former Prime Minister Hun Sen by translating between Thai and Khmer. So, who exactly is he? An investigation by Nation TV has revealed that the interpreter's name is Khliang Huot. He is currently the Mayor of Chroy Changvar district and Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh. Additionally, he served as an aide to Hun Sen during his tenure as Cambodia's Prime Minister. Sources close to the Shinawatra family have disclosed that Khliang Huot is a familiar figure within the Shinawatra circle and among those who worked closely with former Prime Minister Thaksin. Affectionately referred to as "Director Huad," Khliang Huot held the position of personal secretary and has been a close aide to Hun Sen since his time as Prime Minister. His fluency in both Thai and Khmer made him an essential intermediary on matters involving Thailand. Khliang Huot has maintained a strong relationship with Thaksin, having supported him during his exile by coordinating various matters and serving as an interpreter for both sides — Hun Sen's team and the Shinawatra family. As a trusted and close associate of Hun Sen, Khliang Huot is often consulted on issues related to Thailand, underscoring the high level of trust Hun Sen places in him. Further reports from Nation TV reveal that Khliang Huot is also a businessman with positions in various Cambodian government agencies, though he is not known to have any business interests in Thailand. He is believed to be in his late 50s and has travelled to Thailand on several occasions. - The Nation/ANN
