30-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unveiled his new cabinet lineup following the abrupt resignation of former Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, who unexpectedly stepped down from his dual deputy premier role after being demoted in a reshuffle. While the identity of Thailand’s next top diplomat remains under wraps, reports indicate an experienced ex-ambassador could be tapped for the pivotal position.
Mr. Parnpree had held the foreign affairs portfolio along with deputy premiership duties since Mr. Srettha’s administration took office in September last year. However, he opted to quit on Sunday after the cabinet shuffle stripped him of his deputy PM status, listing him solely as the foreign minister.
Addressing the fallout, the Prime Minister stated he had apologized to the outgoing minister while vowing to take responsibility. “If the way I worked upset him (Parnpree), I’ve already apologised to him. This is about thinking in different ways,” Mr. Srettha told reporters. “However, I will bear all responsibility and continue working using the country’s benefits as a foundation.”
He insisted Mr. Parnpree’s revised role was intended to allow him to concentrate fully on foreign policy matters. However, the short-lived minister’s abrupt exit has fueled speculation of discord within the ruling coalition over the reshuffle’s broader implications.
While public reaction has been largely muted so far, some analysts suggest the cabinet revamp could presage shifts in policy direction and priorities under Mr. Srettha’s stewardship of the Southeast Asian kingdom.
“A reshuffle means new perspectives and a real push for new policies,” commented Associate Professor Attasit Pankaew from Bangkok’s Thammasat University. “Srettha is focused on economic development…these policies might help (his party) win the elections next time.”
Beyond the foreign affairs vacuum, the most significant change sees the Prime Minister relinquishing the finance portfolio to 75-year-old economic advisor Pichai Chunhavajira, formerly the Thai Stock Exchange chairman. His appointment as Finance Minister and Deputy PM underscores the administration’s emphasis on reviving the kingdom’s economic fortunes through initiatives like a 10,000 baht ($270) digital cash handout scheme.
“Having a new full-time finance minister…will be useful for Thailand,” noted one observer, citing Mr. Pichai’s over 20 years of private sector financial experience as an asset in his new role catalyzing growth.
As the initial fallout subsides, all eyes will be on Mr. Srettha’s selection of a new top diplomat to help steer Thailand’s regional affairs and navigate the simmering crisis in neighbouring Myanmar which has occasionally spilled across their shared border.
With the Thai public adopting a cautious wait-and-see approach towards the retooled cabinet’s ability to deliver on economic rejuvenation and pressing quality-of-life issues, the Prime Minister faces intense pressure to ensure his fresh ministerial lineup can swiftly coalesce into an impactful governing team. Failure to do so could jeopardize his coalition’s prospects at the next national polls.
