BANGKOK – The reshuffle of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s cabinet on Sunday caused an unexpected reaction with Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara’s resignation as minister of foreign affairs. As soon as it was announced that he had lost the position of Deputy Prime Minister, it prompted Prime Minister Srettha to hold a press conference to explain and apologize.
On 29 April 2024, Prime Minister Srettha stated that he respected Parnpree’s decision. They are genuinely fond of each other personally, having known each other for many decades, and their children are friends.
“I have sent him a message apologizing. If I have caused him any grief, and I thank him for his cooperation over the years,” Srettha said, confirming that he had informed Parnpree of the changes since April 26.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that they had a good working relationship in the government for the last 7-8 months. His work has been beneficial for the country. He believes that the new minister who will take over will continue this good work. There will be new nominations soon.
When asked about the reason for promoting Chakkraphong Saengmanee from Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Srettha explained that he initially hoped Parnpree would remain as the only minister, namely Minister of Foreign Affairs, to focus more on his work. And the need for ministerial support could diminish.
By appointing Chakkraphong as Minister for the Prime Minister’s Office, he can help manage the budget as he has experience and expertise in this area and drive policy. The 2023 budget is only five months away, so it is a challenge to expedite budget matters for the people.
Srettha added that this cabinet reshuffle was not just about Parnpree; there were others who were disappointed or dissatisfied. He takes responsibility and there must be discussions. As for the Phue Thai Party, its leader, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has held talks.
Maris Sangiampongsa will be the new FM
Thai media reports speculated that the person who will replace the Minister of Foreign Affairs is Maris Sangiampongsa, Parnpree’s advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maris has worked in the International Organizations Department, the Information Department and the International Economic Affairs Department as a civil servant stationed at Government House during Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure. This familiarity extends to the Shinawatra family to this day.
He served as Thailand’s ambassador to Canada, Australia, and Fiji, and as chargé d’affaires in Kathmandu, Nepal. Prior to that, he was a diplomatic officer at the embassies in Brussels, Belgium, and Berlin, Germany.
He is also the Deputy Secretary General of the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute, which was in charge of inviting Buddha relics from India to be temporarily enshrined in all four regions of Thailand to commemorate His Majesty the King’s sixth cycle or 72nd year in March.
The opposition urgently calls for a new FM appointment
Chulapong Yukate, a member of the Opposition Move Forward Party and deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission, expressed regret that Parnpree resigned because he was knowledgeable and skilled in both foreign affairs and international trade. He noted that Parnpree’s resignation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had caused confusion and concern among several foreign countries about the stability of the Thai government.
“I urge the Prime Minister to quickly find a new Foreign Minister as Thailand currently lacks both a Foreign Minister and a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. There are many important foreign policy issues now, and we need someone who really understands them to take charge quickly. This includes the situation of refugees arriving in Thailand from Myanmar, where the government urgently needs the cooperation of ASEAN countries and some major powers,” Chulapong said.
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