Latest news with #PhumthamWechayachai
Bloomberg
8 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Thai PM Revamps Cabinet in Bid to Steady Wobbly Government
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revamped her cabinet, a move aimed at easing a political crisis that brought her government to the brink over her handling of a border dispute. The new cabinet lineup included Jatuporn Buruspat, a former bureaucrat, as the new commerce minister and several other new faces, according to a Royal Gazette notification endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Senior Pheu Thai politician Phumtham Wechayachai was shifted to the Interior Ministry from the Defense Ministry.
Bloomberg
12 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Thai PM Reshuffles Cabinet in Bid to Steady Wobbly Government
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revamped her cabinet, a move aimed at easing a political crisis that brought her government to the brink over her handling of a border dispute. The new cabinet line-up included Jatuporn Buruspat, a former bureaucrat, as the new Commerce Minister and several other new faces, according to a Royal Gazette notification endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Senior Pheu Thai politician Phumtham Wechayachai was moved to the Interior Ministry from Defense Ministry.
Straits Times
a day 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
a day 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.
The Star
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai DPM Phumtham says Thai-Cambodian leaders have resolved tensions, urges calm ahead of Joint Boundary Commission talks
BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) stated on Friday (June 14) that the top leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have already spoken to resolve misunderstandings regarding the recent border tensions. He expressed confidence that after the upcoming Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting on June 14, border operations—including the opening and closing of crossings—will return to normal along the entire frontier. 'There has been criticism from individuals not directly involved in the negotiations, which only worsens misunderstandings,' Phumtham said. 'We want to maintain good relations. The situation has calmed, and we should preserve the atmosphere for constructive dialogue.' He stressed that border operations should return to normal through the Regional Border Committee (RBC) mechanism, which allows both sides to discuss logistical details. 'At the same time, we must strengthen diplomatic ties and promote joint economic development. The world is already facing widespread instability; we must avoid further conflict,' he added, urging the public to rely solely on official information from the two governments. When asked about Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen's recent Facebook posts alleging that the Thai government cannot control certain elements within its military, Phumtham said the issue is being clarified and is expected to improve as discussions continue. He reiterated the importance of avoiding misinformation and noted that both sides are working to ensure a shared understanding at all levels. Separately, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, responded that the issue is political in nature, describing Cambodia's actions as an attempt to manage domestic sentiment. He affirmed that the Thai military remains unfazed by the speculation. - The Nation/ANN
