5-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has announced plans to engage in discussions with the United States regarding security issues. These discussions are scheduled to take place in September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Mr. Srettha, who assumed the role of Prime Minister in August following a three-month political impasse, disclosed his intention to attend the UNGA during the third week of September. His first overseas trip will be dedicated to this event, although he is scheduled to take his oath before King Maha Vajiralongkorn on the following day. Additionally, he has been busy finalizing his government’s policy priorities, which will be presented to Parliament in the coming days. Over the weekend, Mr. Srettha also confirmed that he will concurrently hold the position of Finance Minister.
Given his demanding schedule, the Thai Prime Minister has decided to forego the ASEAN summit taking place in Jakarta this week. Instead, he is focusing on his upcoming trip to the United Nations.
During his visit to the UNGA, Mr. Srettha revealed that Thailand’s newly-appointed chief of defence forces has scheduled talks with the United States on security matters. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the nature of these discussions during his remarks to reporters in Bangkok.
Mr. Srettha emphasized his commitment to improving communication between the country’s military and the public, particularly given the growing divide that has emerged over nearly a decade of military-backed rule. He acknowledged the military’s positive contributions but also noted that there have been unclear explanations regarding certain issues in the past.
These comments signify shifting dynamics within the ruling party, as Mr. Srettha aligned with conservative politicians to secure the position of Prime Minister. His meeting with defence forces comes shortly after caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made significant appointments in the armed forces.
Previously, the Pheu Thai party, supported by Thaksin Shinawatra’s family, had pledged not to collaborate with groups that supported the military-backed establishment led by Mr. Prayut, which had undermined election victories of Thaksin and later his sister. Thaksin, who returned from his 15-year exile in August, received a royal pardon on September 1, with the Thai king reducing his jail term to one year.
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