Prompong highlighted three former Shinawatra Prime Ministers as "people's economic ambassadors" who use personal connections to meet ASEAN leaders. He dismissed this as a political power contest and expressed hope that the government would build on these ideas to open new markets, attract investment into Thailand, and raise citizens' incomes.
11 Jul 2026 GMT+7 Prompong Nopparit, former spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, commented on the case where Thaksin Shinawatra, , Yingluck Shinawatra, and Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the three former Prime Ministers from the Shinawatra family, traveled to meet high-level leaders in the ASEAN region. He said this is an important opportunity for Thailand amid intensifying and volatile global economic competition. Although this trip may displease some habitual critics who view it with suspicion and differing opinions, which is normal in a democratic society, it should not overshadow the chance to generate income, create jobs, and improve people's quality of life.
It was clarified that this trip was a private initiative, not a government or political party mission, nor a political power contest or concealment of other interests. Although Thaksin, Yingluck, and Paethongtarn hold no political positions, they still care about the nation and its people. If their ideas lead to coordination that benefits the country, it is a welcome development.
"The world today has changed greatly—it's a world of innovation and a modern economy. Thailand should seize every beneficial opportunity, whether from the government, private sector, or Thai people with international networks. If they can help open markets, attract investment, build confidence, and expand economic cooperation, it's all gain. Former Prime Ministers should be seen as people's economic ambassadors helping to create opportunities to bring money into the country. Political conflicts and bias only weaken efforts. We should focus on the economic opportunities ahead—more jobs and higher incomes for the people," he said.
Prompong further proposed that the government urgently build on every opportunity to produce tangible results in trade, investment, exports, tourism, and new economic development. This should go hand-in-hand with upgrading agriculture, SMEs, community enterprises, and Thai labor to enhance competitiveness, open new markets, bring money into the country, and distribute income widely among the population.
"Thailand must turn every opportunity into trade, every cooperation into investment, and every beneficial connection into income for the people. The country's success only matters when citizens have jobs and higher incomes, entrepreneurs have new markets, farmers sell their produce well, and the Thai economy grows together with the quality of life of all Thai people."
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