Bangkok: Mr. Somkid Cheuk-kong, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, has refuted allegations made by Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP of the Prachachon Party, regarding the Prime Minister’s awareness and ability to address the black-chinned tilapia problem. Mr. Somkid insists that the Prime Minister is fully informed and committed to resolving the issue, urging against using the matter for political gain.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Somkid addressed remarks made by Mr. Wiroj, who claimed that Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra was uninformed about the tilapia issue. Mr. Somkid emphasized that the Prime Minister had tasked him and other officials with engaging all concerned groups, and that initial coordination had already been established with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. He noted that the Director-General of the Department of Fisheries was prepared to address the concerns and that the issue should have been resolved when a letter was received from the concerned group.
Mr. Somkid further explained that the Prime Minister was aware that a group intended to submit a letter and had delegated Mr. Natcha Boonchaiinsawat, another MP from the Prachachon Party, to address the matter. However, upon returning to Government House, Mr. Natcha discovered that Mr. Wirot had intervened, casting aspersions on the Prime Minister’s commitment. Mr. Somkid criticized Mr. Wirot’s conduct and urged that political debates should be held in parliament rather than being sensationalized in the media.
He called for constructive political discourse, emphasizing that the Prime Minister is open to parliamentary scrutiny and willing to explain the government’s actions. Mr. Somkid highlighted that the government has been consistently working on the black-chinned tilapia issue, with the Department of Fisheries providing ongoing efforts. He noted that while a one-year resolution was requested, a realistic timeline of three years is needed, drawing parallels to the government’s approach in addressing other agricultural issues.
Mr. Somkid reiterated the government’s dedication to resolving citizens’ concerns, criticizing those who generate confusion and dissent. He urged political opponents to consider new perspectives and avoid actions that could disrupt societal harmony. When questioned about whether Mr. Wiroj should retract his statements, Mr. Somkid suggested that maturity and integrity should guide public discourse, leaving the decision to retract to individual judgment.
