Chulaphant Clarifies Government Spokesman Controversy Over Foreign Business Deregulation Announcement, Denies Coalition Rifts
A Pheu Thai leader downplayed controversy over a government spokesman's announcement on foreign business deregulation, denying any coalition rifts and saying the newly appointed spokesperson simply needed time to adjust to the role.
On May 14, 2025, at Parliament, Chulaphant Amornvivat, Minister of Labor and Pheu Thai Party leader, addressed the case of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's interview regarding the press briefing by Deputy Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Flight Lieutenant Pathdarasmi Thongsalueykorn on the deregulation of eight foreign businesses that require no permits, stating he had not yet discussed it with the Prime Minister.
Following the cabinet meeting last Tuesday (May 12), the team dispersed. The government spokesman's team is responsible for press briefings, and Chulaphant said he did not verify the content of the announcement, but based on preliminary discussion, the division of labor among deputy spokespeople is organized by ministry to ensure proper public communication. "Regarding the business matter, it was proposed by the Commerce Ministry to the cabinet. You must understand that the new deputy spokesman just started only a week ago and may need to adjust the pace and content of statements according to previous discussions, but nothing went wrong. Everyone is ready to work for maximum benefit," Chulaphant said.
When asked whether this would impact the coalition government's operations or smooth functioning, Chulaphant said there was nothing that wouldn't run smoothly and confirmed there was no issue requiring discussion with the Prime Minister. He stated it is the spokesman team's responsibility to discuss internally and adjust their working method, and he personally would not interfere with the government spokesman's work as they are capable of handling such matters.
