Phumtham denies visa scandal derailed US trade talks
Rumours are swirling about US visa sanctions throwing a spanner in Thailand’s trade negotiations but Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says it’s all smoke and no fire.
In a press briefing yesterday, April 23, Phumtham hit back at claims that visa bans, imposed over Thailand’s controversial deportation of Uyghur refugees to China in February, had sidelined key Thai negotiators from upcoming US trade talks.
“Thailand is preparing itself as best and as calmly as possible. Once the schedule is confirmed, we will be ready for discussions.”
The defence minister added that the absence of some officials had nothing to do with sanctions.
Phumtham stressed that Thailand remains fully prepared, particularly on security-related matters, and dismissed any suggestion of internal conflict within the negotiation team. While security agency representatives were not part of the current delegation, he insisted that this was unrelated to the Uyghur controversy.
“However, if the negotiation team receives any security-related proposals from the US side, they can inform me directly, and I will take immediate action,” he assured reporters.
As for the arms trade, the minister clarified that although Thailand continues to purchase military equipment from the United States, these transactions are not reflected in the official trade balance, a point that still needs hashing out in talks.
“Thailand will focus on securing the most favourable outcomes from the negotiations.”
When questioned about the balancing act between China and the US, Phumtham was diplomatic. He said relations with both countries remain solid and that Thailand is not taking sides.
The defence chief also confirmed his busy upcoming schedule: he’ll head to Germany in mid-May for meetings with international defence ministers, and later attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2-4, where he’s set to meet his US and Chinese counterparts, reported The Nation.
Asked about speculation that the US could pressure Thailand into switching its next fighter jet purchase from Sweden’s Gripen to America’s F-16 in exchange for trade perks, Phumtham played it cool.
“Such matters require long-term discussions,” he said, noting the F-16 deal would involve a US financing arrangement.
As for the buzz about the Thai PM’s supposed trip to Sweden to ink a Gripen deal, Phumtham said he’s in the dark.
“I haven’t received any official news. The Air Force hasn’t submitted a proposal, nor has it gone to Cabinet.”
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