Weerapong leaves Democrat Party for Gov't role in EU FTA talks

Khaosod•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Weerapong Prapha resigned as Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party to take on the role of Thai Trade Representative, focusing on EU FTA negotiations.

•Weerapong Prapha has resigned from his position as Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party.
•His resignation is due to his appointment as Thai Trade Representative responsible for negotiating Free Trade Agreements with the European Union.
•Weerapong Prapha stated that while his role has changed, his core ideology remains the same, and he wishes to continue serving the country.
•He clarified the process of his appointment, emphasizing transparency and consultation with party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Overview

•On April 12, 2026, Mr. Weerapong Prapha posted on Facebook regarding his resignation.
•Mr. Weerapong Prapha announced his resignation as Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party.
•Mr. Weerapong Prapha accepted the position of Thai Trade Representative to continue FTA negotiations with the EU.
•Mr. Weerapong Prapha previously served as Thai Trade Representative in the previous government.
•Mr. Weerapong Prapha believes his role as a government representative is not compatible with the Democrat Party's current role as a government auditor, necessitating transparency.
•Mr. Weerapong Prapha affirmed his ideology of developing the Thai economy through trade negotiations remains unchanged.
•Mr. Weerapong Prapha consulted with Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva regarding his acceptance of the new government role.
•Mr. Weerapong Prapha expressed gratitude to Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, party executives, and members for their support.

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Key Quotes

Weerapong Prapha

"I have officially resigned from my position as Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party."

ผมได้ลาออกจากการเป็นรองหัวหน้าพรรคประชาธิปัตย์ เป็นที่เรียบร้อยแล้ว

Weerapong Prapha

"The reason I resigned is because I was invited to take on the role of Thai Trade Representative, responsible for trade negotiations with the European Union."

เหตุผลที่ผมลาออก เพราะผมได้รับการทาบทามให้ไปดำรงตำแหน่งผู้แทนการค้าไทย โดยรับผิดชอบงานเจรจาการค้ากับสหภาพยุโรป

Weerapong Prapha

"Although my role has changed, my ideology has never changed."

แม้บทบาทจะเปลี่ยนไป แต่อุดมการณ์ผมไม่เคยเปลี่ยน

Weerapong Prapha

"Today I go as a worker, not affiliated with any party."

วันนี้ไปในฐานะคนทำงาน ไม่ได้ยึดโยงกับพรรคใด

Key Entities

Person

Weerapong Prapha(วีระพงษ์ ประภา)

Former Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party and current Thai Trade Representative for EU FTA negotiations.

Supachai Suthamphan(ศุภจี สุธรรมพันธุ์)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce who appointed Weerapong Prapha as an advisor and Thai Trade Representative.

Abhisit(อภิสิทธิ์)ℹ️

Leader of the Democrat Party whom Weerapong Prapha consulted regarding his resignation and new government role.

Organization

Democrat Party(ประชาธิปัตย์)ℹ️

Political party where Weerapong Prapha previously served as Deputy Leader.

European Union(สหภาพยุโรป)ℹ️

Bloc with whom Thailand is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement.