Bangkok: "Athakorn" clearly reiterates his opposition to the use of red meat accelerators, prioritizing the health of Thai people. The Minister of Agriculture reiterated his opposition to the permitting of red meat-promoting chemicals in meat, stating that they directly impact consumer health. He also offered support to the Thai team negotiating tariffs with the United States, hoping to secure the best deal for the country. Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has firmly reaffirmed his position against allowing the use of red meat accelerators in all types of meat in Thailand, stating that they directly impact consumer health. He also encouraged the Thai team involved in tariff negotiations with the United States, believing they will take into account all impacts to achieve the best possible deal for the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthakorn stated that over the past 2-3 weeks, he has received questions from fellow MPs from various parties, as well as public concerns about the use of red meat accelerators in both pork and beef. Reports and studies have confirmed that many red meat accelerators have health effects, such as risking cardiac arrest, particularly in children and pregnant women. The Minister of Agriculture stated that he and his family have consistently played a role in opposing the use of red meat accelerators. His father, Mr. Itthi Sirilathayakorn, was previously Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, overseeing the Department of Livestock Development. The same applies to Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, former Minister of Agriculture and Advisor to the Kla Tham Party. He promoted the Department of Livestock Development's policy and campaign, "End Red Meat Accelerators in Thailand," which has resulted in serious investigations and prosecutions against illegal users.
"Out of concern for the health of Thai people nationwide, I have never agreed with the permission to use red meat accelerators in meat in Thailand, as we are confident that it will directly impact consumer health," Mr. Atthakorn reiterated. When asked by reporters whether this position might be inconsistent with the approach of the Thai team negotiating the US import tariffs, Mr. Atthakorn stated that he supports and is ready to cooperate with the negotiating team. However, as the minister overseeing agricultural production, he must maintain a commitment to public safety. He believes the negotiating team will consider all impacts, including safety, economics, and society, to achieve the best possible outcome for the country.