(Bangkok, 13th) Thai Finance Minister Pichai has invited former Prime Minister Thaksin to join the government in high-level discussions on the US tariff issue, stirring controversy as activists call on the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate Pichai.
The Bangkok Post reported on Sunday (July 13) that Thai political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana said he sent a letter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission on Saturday (12th), requesting an investigation into Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai, because Pichai had invited Thaksin to participate in a government policy consultation meeting held in Bangkok.
Ruangkrai pointed out in the letter that Thaksin holds no position in the government and is therefore not qualified to attend the meeting. He questioned the anti-corruption commission as to whether Pichai’s move violated ethical standards for government officials.
On July 7, Trump announced a 36% tariff on Thai goods. Earlier media reports stated that Thaksin attended a high-level meeting in Bangkok on Friday (11th), which included senior economic advisors, the finance minister, and the commerce minister. The agenda included finalizing additional concessions by Bangkok to reduce US tariffs, as well as formulating measures to protect domestic industries and farmers from potential economic impacts.
Ruangkrai pointed out in the letter that Thaksin holds no position in the government and is therefore not qualified to attend the meeting. He questioned the anti-corruption commission as to whether Pichai’s move violated ethical standards for government officials.
On July 7, Trump announced a 36% tariff on Thai goods. Earlier media reports stated that Thaksin attended a high-level meeting in Bangkok on Friday (11th), which included senior economic advisors, the finance minister, and the commerce minister. The agenda included finalizing additional concessions by Bangkok to reduce US tariffs, as well as formulating measures to protect domestic industries and farmers from potential economic impacts.
Critics have accused Thaksin of interfering in government affairs. After the Friday meeting, Pichai stated that Thaksin was invited because of his extensive experience and expertise on economic matters.
In his letter, Ruangkrai emphasized that the law requires judges, heads of independent agencies, and senior officials to act with honesty and integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, uphold the rule of law and public morality, keep confidences, respect differing opinions in meetings, and avoid any behavior that might undermine the dignity of their position.
He pointed out that Pichai’s actions may damage the finance minister’s image and dignity, affecting public trust in the cabinet. Allowing this behavior could set a precedent for other cabinet members to invite outsiders to participate in sensitive discussions without a legal basis.
In his letter, Ruangkrai emphasized that the law requires judges, heads of independent agencies, and senior officials to act with honesty and integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, uphold the rule of law and public morality, keep confidences, respect differing opinions in meetings, and avoid any behavior that might undermine the dignity of their position.
He pointed out that Pichai’s actions may damage the finance minister’s image and dignity, affecting public trust in the cabinet. Allowing this behavior could set a precedent for other cabinet members to invite outsiders to participate in sensitive discussions without a legal basis.