Government charges against US academic should be dropped, states PP.
The People's Party (PP) is pushing the Thai government to discard the charges against American scholar Paul Chambers, believing his prosecution could jeopardize discussions on tariffs with the United States.
In the limelight, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra has connected the postponed tariff talks to concerns about national security, mentioning Thai legal proceedings against some Americans, possibly in reference to Chambers' lèse-majesté and computer crime accusations.
Situated in Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Chambers, a lecturer and international affairs specialist, fell under investigation this month.
MP and Deputy PP leader, Sirikanya Tansakun, appreciated Thaksin's comments on the matter but criticized his lack of governmental involvement, expressing doubts about his influence over a resolution. She urged the government to corroborate Thaksin's claims for public reassurance.
Believing the dismissal of charges against Chambers could reignite tariff talk progress, Sirikanya also emphasized the government's lack of response to prior warnings during censure debates and tariff discussions. She implored the media to hold the government accountable for transparency on the situation.
When asked if Thaksin's reported connections to figures close to U.S. President Donald Trump could help, Sirikanya suggested exploring all avenues, but formal government-to-government negotiations remain paramount. She acknowledged the Uyghur deportation issue as a hurdle to the tariff negotiations, admitting its sensitivity in Thailand's relationship with China and the United States.
Army defences have been raised concerning the charges against Chambers, with the Royal Thai Army asserting they were filed following normal legal procedures under Article 112 of the Criminal Code. Nevertheless, the PP insists that resolving Chambers' case is pivotal for furthering diplomatic interests.
- Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of the People's Party (PP), has urged the Thai government to drop the charges against American scholar Paul Chambers, proposing that such a decision could potentially facilitate tariff talks with the United States.
- In the ongoing negotiations about tariffs, Sirikanya has pointed out the government's lack of response to her earlier warnings during censure debates and tariff discussions, stressing the need for greater accountability and transparency.
- Sirikanya has also acknowledged the Uyghur deportation issue as a complicating factor in the tariff negotiations, a sensitive topic that could impact Thailand's relationship with both China and the United States.
- Despite Thaksin Shinawatra's reported connections to figures close to U.S. President Donald Trump, Sirikanya has emphasized that formal government-to-government negotiations remain crucial in resolving the Chambers case and advancing diplomatic interests, imploring the media to hold the government accountable in this matter.
