Suriyasai Jaangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that he personally finalized the deal to unlock Thai shrimp exports to Malaysia, denying any involvement from Thaksin Shinawatra. He declined to comment on whether the former prime minister's talks with the Indonesian president had political connections.
At 09:45 on 14 July 2026 at the Government House, Suriyasai Jaangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed rumors that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was behind the successful deal to export Thai shrimp to Malaysia. He stated that the shrimp matter was handled by his ministry through scheduled talks with Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives until a conclusion was reached, and it did not involve Thaksin.
Regarding rumors coinciding with reports of Thaksin traveling to Malaysia, Suriyasai said, as he previously explained, that he arranged meetings with Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. When asked if Thaksin's trip to discuss with Indonesia's leader was a political move by the Pheu Thai Party, Suriyasai replied that he did not know.
When asked whether attributing the success to Thaksin's influence would undermine the minister's role, Suriyasai said he did not think so. He added that interpretations suggesting a power struggle were simply media speculation.