BANGKOK: The Foreign Minister of Thailand Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has resigned, the government said on Sunday. The move comes after he was removed from the post of deputy prime minister in a cabinet reshuffle, and at a time when the Southeast Asian country seeks to help resolve a conflict in neighbouring Myanmar.
#BangkokPost: Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara tendered his resignation from his cabinet post on Sunday to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after the cabinet reshuffle list saw him lose his seat as deputy prime minister. #thailand #politics #resign #Srettha… pic.twitter.com/Cjb2zHG15T
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) April 28, 2024
His unexpected resignation leaves the foreign ministry rudderless as he headed Thailand’s team on Myanmar affairs and last month launched a humanitarian initiative that seeks to pave the way for talks between warring camps after three years of instability and violence triggered by a coup.
Speaking earlier this week from Mae Sot, a Thai district on the border with Myanmar’s Kayin state, Parnpree said that initial discussions had already taken place with various military and ethnic groups in Myanmar. ASEAN would play a key role in talks, he added.
“They haven’t had the time to discuss with us yet, but they are aware that we are ready to act as a mediator and to comprehensively resolve Myanmar’s issues to restore peace quickly,” Radio Free Asia quoted him as saying.
Parnpree also had a key role in securing the release of dozens of Thai hostages who were captured by Hamas in Gaza.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has received Parnpree’s resignation letter, Thailand government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke told Reuters. “Parnpree’s resignation will not affect government work in foreign affairs as the foreign ministry’s permanent secretary and officials can work instead,” he said.
Parnpree’s move caught many by surprise, including senior government figures like Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who told local media that it was unexpected. Parnpree could not be reached for comment.
Srettha’s new cabinet, endorsed by Thailand’s king and published in the official Royal Gazette, showed Parnpree listed only as foreign minister, no longer with the additional title of deputy prime minister.
Parnpree, a former trade representative, said he believed his removal from the DPM post was not due to his track record and that he performed well and helped improve Thailand’s image internationally, according to his resignation letter published by local media.
(REUTERS)
