Deputy prime minister Phumtham claims he is not required to be literally in Washington but that he is on the US list.
PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 19: 07
Phumtham Wechayachai, the president’s defense minister, has refuted rumors that the United States has denied him a card after the Thai government deported 40 Tamils to China.
He responded to reporters ‘ questions on Wednesday about the lack of important members of the Thai group, which was supposed to hold trade talks with the US under the leadership of Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
Although those discussions were scheduled to had begun on Wednesday in Washington, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra claimed they had been postponed because it was “working on issues” the US wanted to address. There is not currently a new day.
Mr. Phumtham acknowledged that Thai safety personnel were not included on the list of Americans visiting the country for the deals. However, he claimed that if any ideas related to security were made, they could be forwarded to him for consideration without having to go there.
The Thai group was already served with a report from the Ministry of Defense detailing the effects of the proposed US tax increase of 36 % on imports from Thailand.
Mr. Phumtham claimed that the US had not informed him of any travel restrictions because Thai security officials were being removed from the committee.
Due to reports of widespread persecution of the Muslim party in China, which Beijing has often denied, the country’s decision to send the 40 Rohingya people back to China on February 27 drew common international condemnation.
The US Department of State  announced sanctions against a number of Thai authorities for their part in the deportation of the Tamils. No information was given.
Mr. Phumtham even downplayed the delay in the trade agreements, arguing that the government should be prepared and fully prepared for the discussions when they begin.
On Wednesday, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the leader of the opposition People’s Party, demanded from the government to provide information on reduction measures for businesses that are affected by the new business tariffs.
When questioned about the impact the US’s response to the Uyghurs ‘ repatriation would have on the trade talks, he claimed the group had warned that the subject was vulnerable.
The recent arrest of important British academic Paul Chambers on a cost of lese-majeste in Thailand made things even more complicated. The State Department also expressed concern about that situation, stating that it might pose a danger to intellectual freedom.
In a guest column for The Oklahoman newspaper, Mr. Chambers ‘ brother claimed that trade negotiations with the US should not begin until Mr. Chambers ‘ case is settled.
Kit Chambers added that his nephew, who was given bail on a principal of 300,000 baht but forbidden from leaving Thailand, may be allowed to travel back to the US pending his future court appearance.