Latest news with #PromminLertsuridej
Asia News Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- Asia News Network
Suspended Thai PM submits defence to Constitutional Court over leaked audio clip
August 5, 2025 BANGKOK – Dr Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, confirmed that Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Paetongtarn Shinawatra has formally submitted her written defence to the Constitutional Court in response to allegations related to an audio clip of a phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Speaking to reporters ahead of the deadline for the second extension, which ends on August 4, Dr Prommin said all supporting documents have been completed. He signed the documents after the Prime Minister had endorsed them, and her representatives have already delivered them to the court. 'I have full confidence in the Prime Minister's good faith and her sincere intention to steer the country away from violence,' he said. 'That has always been her primary motivation.' He explained that the phone conversation in question was not with an official representative but rather part of an effort to find a way to de-escalate the border conflict and minimise loss of life and destruction. He noted that the talks managed to delay the outbreak of violence for a time, but ultimately, Thailand's sovereignty was violated. 'In response, the military had to act decisively to defend our sovereignty and territory with honour,' he said. 'Efforts were then made to secure a ceasefire and minimise hardship for civilians. Throughout this process, the Prime Minister's guiding principle was to work closely with the military to protect the nation.' Addressing the Prime Minister's current status, Prommin said, 'Now that the court has ordered her to temporarily step down from her duties, she respects the decision and is awaiting the ruling. We hope the verdict will reflect her sincere efforts to bring peace and stability to the country.'
Bangkok Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
19% US tariff a good result, says Prommin
Thailand has headed off a major trade conflict after securing a fair 19% US tariff rate with the deal now headed to parliament for approval, said Dr Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister. He said on Monday the country has successfully navigated the global trade war sparked by the Trump-era tariff regime, securing a 19% import tax rate on Thai goods entering the US -- a level he described as comparable to regional peers and more favourable than some competitors. "This was a global crisis, not one faced by Thailand alone," Dr Prommin said. "But we've now reached a resolution that offers significant advantages for our business sector going forward." He added that the crisis phase is over, but the government's responsibilities continue. "We now have a clear answer, and that clarity enables us to expand trade and market access." Thai goods bound for the United States will be subject to a 19% tax, starting on Aug 7. The rate, markedly lower than the 36% initially set by the US, was announced after the government agreed to eliminate import duties on over 10,000 items imported from the US. Dr Prommin noted that the 19% rate puts Thailand on a level playing field with regional exporters. "We're no longer at a disadvantage. In fact, we might even have a slight edge over some countries. We're now in a fair position to compete in the same markets." Looking ahead, the government will shift focus to economic restructuring, as outlined by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. On the legal side, Dr Prommin confirmed that once the agreement has passed a special cabinet session and a consensus on the negotiation framework has been reached, it will be submitted to parliament for approval. "There is a legal process that must be followed. Once we are at that stage, everything will proceed transparently and in line with the law," he said.
Bangkok Post
04-08-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thailand does well to secure 19% US tariff, says Prommin
Thailand has headed off a major trade conflict after securing a fair 19% US tariff rate with the deal now headed to parliament for approval, said Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister. He said on Monday the country has successfully navigated the global trade war sparked by the Trump-era tariff regime, securing a 19% import tax rate on Thai goods entering the US — a level he described as comparable to regional peers and more favourable than some competitors. 'This was a global crisis, not one faced by Thailand alone,' Dr Prommin said. 'But we've now reached a resolution that offers significant advantages for our business sector going forward.' He added that the crisis phase is over, but the government's responsibilities continue. 'We now have a clear answer, and that clarity enables us to expand trade and market access.' Thai goods bound for the United States will be subject to a 19% tax, starting on Thursday. The rate, markedly lower than the 36% initially set by the US, was announced after the government agreed to eliminate import duties on over 10,000 items imported from the US. Dr Prommin noted that the 19% rate puts Thailand on a level playing field with regional exporters. 'We're no longer at a disadvantage. In fact, we might even have a slight edge over some countries. We're now in a fair position to compete in the same markets.' Looking ahead, the government will shift focus to economic restructuring, as outlined by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. On the legal side, Dr Prommin confirmed that once the agreement has passed a special cabinet session and a consensus on the negotiation framework has been reached, it will be submitted to parliament for approval. 'There is a legal process that must be followed. Once we are at that stage, everything will proceed transparently and in line with the law,' he said.
Bloomberg
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Suspended Thai PM Gets More Time to File Defense in Ethics Case
Thailand's Constitutional Court has granted suspended premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra an extension until July 31 to submit her defense in a high-profile ethics case that could see her ousted over the handling of a border dispute. Paetongtarn's legal team is preparing a written defense, according to Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister. She will not be submitting any additional evidence, he said, as her defense will focus on her good-faith efforts to resolve the conflict and the accuracy of her statements.
Bloomberg
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Suspended Thai PM Asks Court For More Time to Respond to Ethics Case
Thailand's suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra asked a court for more time to file a defense statement in a case that could see her dismissed over the handling of a border dispute. Paetongtarn's office asked the Constitutional Court for a deadline extension, Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej told reporters on Tuesday. The court has not yet responded to the request or specified how much more time it will give, he said.
