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Bangkok Post
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thaksin joins coalition unity dinner
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was the centre of attention at a dinner hosted by the ruling Pheu Thai Party to foster unity among partners in the coalition government on Tuesday evening. The event, held at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok, marked the first formal gathering of the government led by suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's youngest daughter. Dubbed 'Pheu Thai Samakkhi Prathet: Defending Sovereignty, Solving Problems for the People', the dinner was attended by cabinet ministers and MPs from all coalition parties. Attendees included representatives from United Thai Nation Party (UTN), including 18 members who are considering jumping ship; the Democrat, Kla Tham, Chartthaipattana, Chartpattanakla and Prachachat parties. The atmosphere was lively and congenial. Thaksin arrived at the venue at 6pm and was warmly received by Paetongtarn and other Pheu Thai cabinet ministers. Father and daughter were all smiles despite the mounting legal challenges they face. Thaksin faces a ruling in the lese-majeste case against him on Aug 22. Another court is looking into allegations of preferential treatment when he served his entire prison sentence in a hospital VIP room. Ms Paetongtarn, meanwhile, is awaiting a ruling from the Constitutional Court on a possible ethics breach arising from her handling of an embarrassing phone call from former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. Smiling as he greeted reporters, Thaksin was asked what topic he planned to speak about. 'If you're in politics, you must talk politics,' he said. He declined to answer when asked whether he was concerned his presence could be interpreted as exerting undue influence over the government. Widely perceived as the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, Thaksin has been the target of other legal complaints that his 'outsider' influence on the party is possible grounds for its dissolution. Both Ms Paetongtarn and her father addressed the gathering. Ms Paetongtarn, now serving as culture minister, expressed hope that she will be allowed to return to her former job. She also thanked those present for their continued display of unity. 'We already have the same intention and goal, which is to take care of our brothers and sisters, the people,' she said. Thaksin delivered a pep talk in which he urged everyone to be patient and work together as the country faces many challenges. 'From now on, we will be serious,' he said. At the moment, he said, he is 'unemployed', so if any ministers want to consult him, he is happy to do so. Among the key Pheu Thai members in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Deputy Transport Ministers Monporn Charoensri and Surapong Piyachote, Deputy Education Minister Linthiporn Warinwatcharot, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, and PM's Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai.
Bangkok Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
France celebrates National Day with grandeur in Bangkok, marking 340 years of ties with Siam
The French Embassy in Thailand hosted a grand reception at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok, on Monday evening to commemorate France's National Day, observed annually on July 14. This year's celebration held added significance, marking 340 years since the first historic contact between Siam and France, and 169 years of formal diplomatic relations. The event was presided over by Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand, and attended by Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. Among the many distinguished Thai and international guests were ambassadors, senior government officials, and prominent figures from the business community, including business titans Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul and Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of Thai Beverage Plc, who gathered to honour the occasion. In his address, Ambassador Poimboeuf reflected on the long-standing friendship between the two nations, beginning with the 1685 diplomatic mission sent by King Louis XIV to King Narai of Ayutthaya. The ambassador noted that, 340 years on, bilateral relations remain strong, underpinned by cooperation in key areas such as defence, infrastructure, energy transition and space. The ties between the two nations have been further energised in recent years by the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Bangkok in November 2022, during Thailand's presidency of APEC, and two visits to France by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in March and May 2024. During their meetings in Paris, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relationship to the level of a strategic partnership, focusing on key areas of cooperation including defence and security, infrastructure development, space technology, and the energy transition. These priorities were reaffirmed during a telephone conversation on June 27 between the French President and the head of the Thai government. Meanwhile, a new bilateral action plan is being finalised to advance these shared objectives. As part of the commemorations for the 340th anniversary of Franco-Thai relations, recent high-level visits and the bilateral action plan have helped reinforce the partnership. The celebrations also include exhibitions, publications, seminars, and cultural showcases. These activities will continue into 2026, when Thailand and France will mark 170 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, paving the way for further meaningful exchange and collaboration.
