Talking tariffs and Thai politics: An evening with Jakrapob Penkair — a former and possibly future government spokesman

Link to the program recording here.

With Thailand confronting Trump’s tariffs, political paralysis and a stagnant economy, the FCCT is pleased to welcome Jakrapob Penkair back to speak to our members about numerous issues of public interest.

Jakrapob is a former government spokesman and long-time ally of Thaksin Shinawatra, whose touted return from exile to that role is now much discussed. He went into exile in 2009 after being charged with lese-majeste over comments made during a memorable evening at the FCCT in 2007, and did not return to Thailand until last year, although the charge was dropped in 2011.

Jakrapob is well-briefed on the challenges facing Thailand’s trade negotiators as they try to reduce a threatened US tariff rate of 36% on Thai exports.

Moderator: Jonathan Head, FCCT board member and the BBC’s Southeast Asia correspondent.