Scholar 'not tied to tariff talks'

S112 case did not cause delay, Isoc says

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH CHAIRITH YONPIAM

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has denied any connection between the lese majeste charges levied against an American academic and delayed talks between Thailand and the United States on trade tariffs.

Isoc spokesman Maj Gen Thammanoon Maison said yesterday the timing of the complaint filed by the security agency against Paul Chambers and Thailand's attempts to persuade the US to reduce the recently imposed steep tariffs was coincidental.

The clarity from Isoc follows claims to the contrary by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin, the father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, said on Saturday that legal cases against certain American citizens were one of the factors behind the postponed negotiations between the Thai and the US governments that had been scheduled for April 23 in Washington.

Thaksin, seen as the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, now led by his daughter, had previously offered to assist the negotiations by conducting informal talks with close associates of US President Donald Trump.