Apisit Explains Veer Phong's Move, Advises Resignation from Democrat Party

Prachachat•Politics•7d ago

Reader Briefing

Democrat Party leader Apisit Vejjajiva clarified that Veer Phong's potential involvement in trade negotiations with the EU was initiated by Commerce Minister Supachai Sucharitanont, advising Veer Phong to resign from his party positions to avoid conflict of interest as an opposition member.

•Commerce Minister Supachai Sucharitanont has invited Veer Phong Prapa, Deputy Head of the Democrat Party, to join a trade advisory committee for EU negotiations.
•The Democrat Party, led by Apisit Vejjajiva, has agreed that the country and government would benefit from Veer Phong's expertise.
•Apisit advised Veer Phong to resign from his party roles to prevent conflicts of interest and confusion regarding the party's opposition status.

Overview

•Commerce Minister Supachai Sucharitanont announced the intention to invite Veer Phong Prapa to join a trade advisory committee.
•Supachai Sucharitanont identified Veer Phong Prapa as knowledgeable and experienced in negotiating trade with the EU, with unfinished negotiations since the previous government.
•The current government recently announced its policy to Parliament, and the Commerce Minister is not yet fully in her position.
•The EU trade negotiation is scheduled for its ninth round in April, with the aim of concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
•Apisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, issued a statement on his personal Facebook page clarifying the situation regarding Veer Phong.
•Apisit Vejjajiva advised Veer Phong Prapa to resign from his positions as Deputy Head and member of the Democrat Party to prevent confusion and conflict regarding the party's status as the opposition.
•The decision on whether to proceed with the role now rests with Veer Phong Prapa himself.

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Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Quotes

Apisit Vejjajiva

"At this point, it is up to Mr. Veer Phong to decide and proceed."

ขณะนี้จึงอยู่ที่คุณวีระพงษ์จะตัดสินใจและดำเนินการ

Key Entities

Person

Apisit Vejjajiva(อภิสิทธิ์)ℹ️

Leader of the Democrat Party (Prachathipat Party) who issued a statement regarding Veer Phong's potential role.

Supachai Sucharitanont(ศุภจี)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce who invited Veer Phong Prapa to a trade advisory committee.

Veer Phong Prapa(วีระพงษ์)

Deputy Head of the Democrat Party (Prachathipat Party) invited to join a trade advisory committee for EU negotiations.

Organization

Democrat Party(ปชป.)ℹ️

Political party whose Deputy Head, Veer Phong Prapa, was invited to advise on EU trade negotiations, leading to a discussion of conflict of interest.

European Union(สหภาพยุโรป)ℹ️

Bloc with whom Thailand is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), involving Veer Phong Prapa's potential advisory role.

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)

Government ministry headed by Supachai Sucharitanont, who is involved in initiating trade discussions with the EU.