Bangkok: “Thepthai” has raised concerns over the government’s recent signing of the “Rare Earths MOU,” urging an immediate explanation from both the administration and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The memorandum of understanding, which was not disclosed to the Thai public prior to its signing, involves significant national interests.
According to Thai News Agency, former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Thepthai Senapong expressed his apprehensions via a post on his Facebook page, “Thepthai – Talking about Politics.” He questioned the transparency and urgency of the MOU signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul following the Thailand-Cambodia Peace Declaration in Kuala Lumpur. The signing was witnessed by US President Donald Trump, who also participated in the agreement.
The Thai populace was caught off guard by the revelation of the MOU, which was announced during a press conference by President Trump, leading to widespread skepticism about the government’s transparency. Thepthai criticized the lack of prior notification and called for detailed explanations from government officials, as the clarifications provided thus far have not alleviated public concerns.
Thepthai enumerated several pressing questions for Prime Minister Anutin and his administration. He inquired about the inception of the project, questioning whether it originated during the tenure of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra or under Mr. Anutin’s government. He also sought confirmation on whether the MOU had received Cabinet approval, highlighting the absence of a press release regarding Mr. Anutin’s activities in Malaysia.
Furthermore, Thepthai demanded full disclosure of the MOU’s contents, emphasizing the need for transparency. He also raised concerns about Thailand’s diplomatic stance amid the ongoing dispute over rare earth minerals between the United States and China, urging the government to manage relations carefully to avoid diplomatic strain.
Additionally, Thepthai questioned the government’s preparedness for potential environmental impacts arising from rare earth exploration, stressing the need for public consultation and comprehensive environmental studies.
He urged the administration to address these issues promptly, underscoring the importance of the matter as it concerns national resources. Thepthai cautioned the young government, which has been in power for just four months, against making binding decisions on such critical issues without thorough deliberation and public engagement.