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Trump-Thailand Trade Talks: Thaksin's Bid Squashed by Court
In a heated twist of fortunes, Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's hopes for a sit-down with US President Donald Trump over informal trade discussions have hit a brick wall.
Thaksin, wanted for criminal charges under Thailand's stringent royal defamation law, had aimed to jet off to Qatar, where Trump was slated for a private dinner at Lusail Palace, as part of his bail conditions. However, a Thai court turned down his request, labeling the move as lacking "sufficient justification."
The court believed that the Qatar invitation was a personal gesture with no official standing, and that the proposed travel could interfere with legal proceedings against Thaksin. The court's verdict revealed that the request lacked a specific itinerary, solidifying its decision.
Thaksin felt that this event provided a golden opportunity to dialogue with Trump and his economic team following Thailand's 36% tariff hike as part of a widespread US trade sanction. The scheduling of tariff talks between the US and Thailand had previously been set for April, only to be indefinitely postponed, leading to speculation about the impact of domestic politics on the matter.
Thaksin, back on Thai soil since August 2023 after more than a decade in exile, has sworn off politics but has been reportedly working from the sidelines on trade matters. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ascended to the premiership in 2024, a move widely believed to be orchestrated by Thaksin, who consistently faces criticism for still pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
Thaksin holds no formal position in the Thai government currently, but he remains beloved by his supporters and despised by the pro-royalist and military establishment. He is due back in court in July for a royal defamation case, a controversial charge in Thailand, and will face further scrutiny from the Supreme Court regarding special treatment upon his return to the country.
Yet, despite these legal barriers, Thaksin remains an influential figure advocating for a new direction in Thailand's trade relations. He yearns for a more intimate relationship with the US, hinting at implementing stricter export controls, enhancing the investment climate for US businesses, and preparing for tariff talks, which reflects a keen awareness of the importance of sustaining strong US ties against escalating geopolitical tensions with China. He's been coining a catchy slogan that echoes Trump's words - "Make Thailand Great Again" - signaling his ambition to elevate Thailand's standing in global trade.
[1] Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Travel Restricted Due to Legal Constraints stemming from Lese-Majeste and Computer Crime Charges Connected to a 2015 Interview with a South Korean Media Outlet.[2] Thai Court Hinders Thaksin's Attempt to Travel to Qatar for Scheduled Trade Talks with the US.[3] Tariff Talks Between the US and Thailand Postponed Indefinitely, Fueling Domestic Political Speculation.[4] Donald Trump Invitation to Thaksin Shinawatra Foiled as Thai Court Refuses Request for Travel Exception.[5] Thaksin Shinawatra's Trade Policy Shift: Emphasis on Closer Ties with the US and Preparedness for Tariff Negotiations.
- The Thai court barred Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, from traveling to Qatar due to legal constraints stemming from lese-majeste and computer crime charges connected to a 2015 interview with a South Korean media outlet.
- In a blow to Thaksin Shinawatra's trade ambitions, the Thai court hampered his attempt to travel to Qatar for scheduled trade talks with the US.
- The postponement of tariff talks between the US and Thailand indefinitely has fueled speculation about the impact of domestic politics on the matter.
- The Thai court refused Thaksin Shinawatra's request for a travel exception to attend a private dinner with US President Donald Trump in Qatar.
- Thaksin Shinawatra, despite legal barriers and a lack of formal position in the Thai government, is advocating for a new direction in Thailand's trade relations, emphasizing closer ties with the US and preparedness for tariff negotiations.
- In the realm of general news and policy-and-legislation, the alleged interference in court proceedings of Thaksin Shinawatra's intended travel to Qatar has made headlines, shedding light on the complexities of Bangkok's politics.
