Latest news with #Phumtham
Bangkok Post
18 minutes ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Phumtham 'signed sub deal' before leaving post
Outgoing Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed he approved the long-delayed submarine procurement deal before stepping down, marking one of his final decisions in office. Speaking after a farewell ceremony at the ministry on Wednesday, Mr Phumtham said the deal was signed before the end of June in his other capacity as the deputy premier overseeing national security. "The submarine deal required my signature, and I approved it before June ended," he told reporters, adding the agreement is now awaiting placement on the cabinet agenda for final endorsement. The submarine deal, stalled for years due to political and logistical hurdles, was one of the key issues Mr Phumtham aimed to conclude during his nine-month tenure. However, he acknowledged the planned purchase of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets could not be finalised in time and will be left for the incoming defence minister to handle. "Some matters could be completed, others couldn't. It is now the responsibility of my successor," he said. When asked about the vacant defence portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle, Mr Phumtham said the focus should not be on which party holds the post, but rather on selecting a capable and qualified candidate. "It used to belong to the Pheu Thai Party, but what matters more is choosing someone who can work effectively with the armed forces and protect national interests," he said. "Speculation the post will be vacant for three months is unfounded." He dismissed rumours about potential candidates, saying, "Please don't ask me about things I haven't heard. Any decision must be based on the suitability of the person for the role." Mr Phumtham is set to assume his new role as minister of interior following the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday. He will retain the position of deputy prime minister. Reflecting on his time as defence minister, he said he prioritised cooperation with senior military commanders to improve welfare for lower-ranking personnel and raise morale within the armed forces. He added that several other matters -- including military housing development and structural reform of army personnel -- are progressing steadily.
The Star
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai DPM Phumtham to be appointed caretaker PM in special Cabinet meeting Thursday (July 3)
BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) will be appointed caretaker Prime Minister during a special Cabinet meeting on Thursday (July 2), following an oath-taking ceremony earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit confirmed. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Wednesday (July 2) that Suriya, acting as Prime Minister, will lead the new ministers of the second Paetongtarn Cabinet for a royal audience at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall on Thursday morning, where they will be sworn in before His Majesty the King. After the ceremony, Suriya will convene a special Cabinet meeting at the Command Building at Government House at 2pm, the spokesman added. The new Cabinet was announced on Tuesday, the same day that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from duty by the Constitutional Court following a petition by a group of senators. Phumtham will participate in the oath-taking ceremony as he was removed from his previous role as deputy prime minister and defence minister, and reappointed as deputy prime minister and interior minister in the new Cabinet. Jirayu stated that the special Cabinet meeting would discuss the distribution of responsibilities among deputy prime ministers and certain ministers. Meanwhile, Suriya confirmed on Wednesday morning that, after the oath-taking ceremony, he would sign an order as acting Prime Minister to appoint Phumtham as caretaker Prime Minister. A Government House source told Thansetthakij that during the special meeting, the Cabinet would invoke Article 41 of the Act on Rules for Public Administration of the State, BE 2534, to appoint Phumtham as caretaker Prime Minister. The source said that after Phumtham's appointment, he would invoke Article 11(2) of the Act to distribute responsibilities among the deputy prime ministers. He would assign them to oversee various agencies and ministries. The source also noted that during the meeting, the Cabinet would be updated on key national situations. The Cabinet would also be asked to approve an exemption from enforcing a previous Cabinet resolution on mangrove forest protection, to allow the construction of a highway in Chachoengsao. The source added that the special Cabinet meeting would be brief and conclude after the discussion on the Chachoengsao highway matter. - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Thai defence chief rules out military coup, says top generals committed to democracy
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai's remarks followed a mass protest urging the military to step in. PHOTO: REUTERS BANGKOK - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has dismissed speculation about the possibility of a military coup, insisting that the country's top military leaders have no intention of seizing power, regardless of any provocation from anti-government groups. Speaking in response to calls from protest leaders for the military to intervene, Mr Phumtham stressed that the armed forces were fully committed to helping Thailand navigate its current challenges through democratic means. 'I have spoken with the chiefs of all four armed forces. They are united in their belief that now is a time to help the country — not to take power. The thought of a coup has never crossed their minds,' he said. Mr Phumtham's remarks followed a mass protest by the Uniting the Power of the Land for the Defence of Thai Sovereignty group, where its leaders urged the military to step in. In response, he said the government respected the group's constitutional right to demonstrate and was open to receiving constructive proposals. 'However, proposals that disrupt the political and legal systems are not useful,' he warned. Mr Phumtham noted that the government was focused on addressing national issues through legal and constitutional channels. He confirmed that a royal command to appoint a new Cabinet was being sought, alongside several upcoming policy initiatives. He cautioned protest leaders against repeating the disruptive tactics of the past decade, which had caused significant harm to the country. He also reminded them that many still face legal proceedings for their previous actions. Commenting on the reappearance of former Yellow Shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul at the forefront of the protest movement, Mr Phumtham downplayed its significance. 'Sondhi is still facing legal cases. He should not expect to force political change in order to escape them—the legal process has already begun,' Mr Phumtham said. When asked about the latest opinion poll showing a sharp drop in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's popularity —from first to fifth place— Mr Phumtham said such fluctuations were normal in politics. He also declined to confirm whether Ms Paetongtarn would concurrently serve as culture minister in the second Cabinet, saying that the final line-up would be revealed only after royal endorsement. Mr Phumtham advised the media not to speculate about the possibility of Ms Paetongtarn being suspended by the Constitutional Court. A group of senators has filed a petition seeking her removal from office over a leaked private conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thailand hasn't sealed border, Cambodia has, says Phumtham
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has rejected Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's assertion Thailand has sought agreement on reopening the border, saying the border is not sealed. Mr Phumtham, also a deputy prime minister, said on Monday that Thailand did not close its border with Cambodia. Phnom Penh closed the border. Thailand only rescheduled border crossing hours, he said, partial border trade could continue and Cambodian students and patients in need of urgent hospital care could still enter Thailand. 'I think that our announcements have been clear from the start. Many statements from Cambodia need to be viewed carefully as Cambodia is focused on its own local issues,' Mr Phumtham said. Thailand adhered to the concept of a peaceful and bilateral solution and had no interest in or acceptance of the rulings of the International Court of Justice, he said. This was a clear reference to Cambodia's petition asking the court to settle its claim to four disputed border areas. Thailand was trying to relax border controls to help people and businesses and Cambodia had to accept responsibility for its own position on the closure of the border, Mr Phumtham said.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Thai DPM Phumtham hits back at Hun Sen, accuses him of waging information war
Thai DPM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted that Thailand remains firmly committed to legality and transparency. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG BANGKOK - Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on June 27 that he had not listened to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and had no intention of doing so, describing the former Cambodian leader's remarks as inconsistent. 'I don't see the point in listening. Much of what he says contradicts itself, like his claims about border closures,' Mr Phumtham told reporters. 'If he were sincere or honest about his actions, he would have spoken clearly. Besides, I don't understand the language, so why bother?' When asked about the potential release of audio clips that would expose sensitive issues involving Thailand, Mr Phumtham remained unfazed. 'I'm not interested. It has nothing to do with the Thai government. We don't even know what his actual motives are. But what's clear is that he's engaged in information warfare and psychological games,' he said. 'Everything he's doing is aimed at weakening the Thai government's credibility and capacity. If our government becomes unstable, Mr Hun Sen stands to benefit, whether in territorial disputes or negotiations. That's what he wants.' Mr Phumtham insisted that Thailand remains firmly committed to legality and transparency. 'The government stands on its own principles. If there are any genuine issues, we'll deal with them legally. But I believe there is nothing of substance. This is all part of a disinformation campaign to instil fear and provoke unrest.' He added that Mr Hun Sen's goal may be to pressure Thailand into submission or make himself the focal point of international mediation efforts. 'He wants us to act on his terms and make himself the centre of attention. Yes, some foreign countries have approached us about it, but I don't believe it's a real problem.' Asked whether the Thai government planned to take legal action, Mr Phumtham said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies were closely monitoring the situation. 'If there is any breach of international law that affects Thailand, we will take appropriate legal steps,' he said. THE NATION/ ASIAN NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
