Bangkok: Narumon Pinyosinwat has refuted claims that Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn exited the Cabinet meeting due to dissatisfaction with the recent outcome of tariff negotiations involving former U.S. President Donald Trump. She clarified that the discussions did not encompass this issue and addressed her intentions to visit the Nan province for rehabilitation purposes.

According to Thai News Agency, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat responded to rumors suggesting the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, a member of the Kla Tham Party, planned to skip the Cabinet meeting due to dissatisfaction with U.S. tariff negotiations. Narumon emphasized that the discussions did not include such talks. She reiterated her stance from her tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, where she opposed trading farmers’ benefits, as she believed the trade-offs were not worthwhile for the over 30 million farmers.

Narumon further explained that Atthakorn, who requested leave from the Cabinet meeting, was on a mission in Nan Province. His focus was on assisting in the rehabilitation of schools and homes still struggling with the aftermath of a natural disaster, including mud accumulation.

Narumon recounted a recent visit to the area with Deputy Minister Akara Prompao and Captain Thammanat Prompao, an advisor to the Kla Tham Party. During their visit, they sought assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture to provide equipment to clear mud from a school, which was set to open on August 4th. However, the reopening was delayed, necessitating the need for more resources. As for Atthakorn’s absence from the Cabinet meeting, Narumon suggested inquiries be directed to him for further clarification.