Ex-PMs Positioned As Economic Envoys For ASEAN Outreach
Three former Thai prime ministers are traveling across Southeast Asia to boost economic ties and investment opportunities, with a Pheu Thai spokesman framing the mission as a crucial strategy to enhance Thailand's competitiveness amid globa
On July 11, Prompong Nopruedee, former spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, characterized the travel by former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck Shinawatra, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra to meet senior leaders in Southeast Asia as an important opportunity for Thailand in the face of intensifying global economic competition.
While acknowledging that some groups view the mission with suspicion and disagreement—a normal occurrence in a democracy—Prompong argued that such political discord should not overshadow opportunities to generate income, create jobs, and improve citizens' living standards.
Prompong clarified that the mission is conducted on a personal basis and does not represent government or party operations, nor is it a political power measurement or a vehicle for hidden interests. He noted that although the three former premiers hold no official positions, their concern for the nation and its people makes it commendable if they bring ideas that could benefit the country through coordination efforts.
He emphasized that in today's rapidly changing world of innovation and modern economics, Thailand should capitalize on every beneficial opportunity—whether from the government, private sector, or Thai nationals with foreign networks—to open markets, attract investment, build confidence, and expand economic cooperation.
"Former prime ministers should be viewed as quasi-economic envoys of the private sector, helping create opportunities to earn foreign revenue," Prompong said. "Political conflict and biased blame only erode progress. We should focus on the end goal: economic opportunities, job growth, and improved people's incomes."
Prompong called on the government to swiftly translate these opportunities into concrete results across trade, investment, exports, tourism, and modern economic development, while simultaneously upgrading agriculture, SMEs, community enterprises, and Thai labor to enhance competitiveness and distribute income broadly.
"Thailand must convert every opportunity into commerce, every cooperation into investment, and every beneficial connection into people's income," he concluded. "The nation's success is meaningful only when people have jobs, earn more, entrepreneurs access new markets, farmers sell well, and Thailand's economy grows alongside improved quality of life for all Thais."
