29-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced the selection of a new foreign minister to replace the outgoing Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, whose abrupt resignation on Sunday sent shockwaves through the government’s ranks. The prime minister’s revelation came during a press conference on Monday, where he addressed the aftermath of a cabinet reshuffle that saw Parnpree lose his coveted deputy prime minister’s portfolio.
While Srettha Thavisin refrained from naming the successor, he revealed that the new appointee has been working behind the scenes on foreign policy matters for the Pheu Thai Party, the prime minister’s political establishment. However, he cautioned that the individual’s qualifications would need to be thoroughly examined before their name could be forwarded to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement, a formality required by the Thai constitution.
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, a prominent figure within the Pheu Thai Party, dropped a political bombshell on Sunday when he tendered his resignation to the prime minister, just days after the new cabinet line-up was announced. Although he retained the foreign affairs portfolio, the loss of his deputy prime minister’s role proved to be a decisive factor in his decision to step down.
Srettha Thavisin defended the reshuffle, arguing that it allowed Parnpree to take full control of foreign affairs after his then-deputy, Jakkrapong Sangsamee, was appointed as the minister of the Prime Minister’s Office. However, the prime minister admitted that he had not anticipated Parnpree’s resignation and offered an apology if the changes had left the outgoing minister dissatisfied.
