The opposition People’s party is urging the government to secure a quick appointment for tariff talks between Thai and US delegations, after the first appointment this month wasabruptly postponed by the US administration.
The party is also demanding a clarification from the government over a remark by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Friday, noting that the case of Paul Chambers, an American academic at Naresuan University in Phitsanuloke, who has been charged with insulting the Royalty, could be behind the postponement of the tariff talks.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, People’s party leader, told a news conference today that the most important thing about the tariff talks is that they must take place as soon as possible and that Thailand is made aware of the US’s demands.
He said that it appears that Thailand is totally in the dark about what the US wants, apart from the 36% tariff on Thai exports to the US. This contrasts with the case of Japan, as the Japanese government know that the US wants to export more rice to Japan.
He disclosed that the party will hold a forum next week, to discuss the tariff issue with several concerned parties, hoping that the event will result in some proposals or recommendations for the government.
Sirikanya Tansakul, People’s party deputy leader, said she would like to thank Thaksin for mentioning Paul Chambers’ case, vis-à-vis tariffs, adding that she doubts it is true, though, because the former prime minister does not hold any official position in the government.
Nevertheless, she said that the Chambers case could be resolved by simply withdrawing the charges.
