Bangkok: People’s Party MPs have called for the resignation of the Finance Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister, citing their roles in what they describe as a mismanagement of international trade relations following the implementation of a 36% import tax by the United States on Thai exports. They argue this tax, enforced from August 1st, signifies a failure in government policy and management.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chulalongkorn Yokes, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party and vice chairman of both the Commerce and Intellectual Property Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, criticized the government’s inaction. He highlighted the US government’s decision as evidence of inefficiency in handling international trade and foreign affairs. Mr. Chulapong stressed the importance of accountability, urging the Finance Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister to resign voluntarily to take responsibility for the adverse economic impact.

Mr. Chulapong further elaborated on the Finance Minister’s role, stating that since US President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the opposition and the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce have consistently urged the government to negotiate the import tax. Despite multiple meetings and requests from private sectors, including the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries, no substantial progress has been made. He noted that Vietnam, which managed to negotiate a reduced tax rate of 20%, exemplifies the Finance Minister’s failure to act effectively.

Regarding the Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Chulapong criticized the lack of proactive engagement in negotiations alongside the Finance and Commerce Ministries. He pointed out the Minister’s absence from committee meetings and his inability to travel to the United States due to immigration issues linked to the Uighur case, which he claims has weakened Thailand’s diplomatic efforts and trade negotiations significantly.