Thailand’s foreign minister abruptly resigned in dissatisfaction over a Cabinet reshuffle that removed him as one of the country’s deputy prime ministers. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the resignation of Parnpree Bahiddha-Nugara, saying he respected the decision and had already started looking for a replacement. The reshuffle was announced by Srettha’s government, which took office less than a year ago. Ministers in Thailand are allowed to hold multiple Cabinet positions, and it is common for senior ministers to also be appointed as deputy prime ministers. However, the intention behind Parnpree being dropped as deputy prime minister was to allow him to concentrate on his role as foreign minister.
In an interview with the public broadcaster Thai PBS, Parnpree confirmed the authenticity of his resignation letter but denied being unhappy about the decision. He acknowledged that the prime minister had the authority to make such decisions but found it “a little unusual.” Parnpree argued that it would become harder for him to work as foreign minister if he did not also hold the title of deputy prime minister. During his tenure, Parnpree engaged in several diplomatic efforts, including negotiating the release of Thai workers in Israel held hostage by Hamas and initiating humanitarian aid to Myanmar, where millions have been displaced by violence following the military coup in 2021.
As part of the Cabinet shuffle, Prime Minister Srettha lost his seat as finance minister and was replaced by Pichai Chunhavajira, a former chairman of energy conglomerate Bangchak and chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Pichai, who was also appointed as a deputy prime minister, took over the finance ministry from Srettha. The reshuffle aimed to reassign roles and responsibilities within the Cabinet, allowing ministers to focus more on specific areas and tasks. Srettha expressed his belief that the new minister would continue the good work done by Parnpree in the interest of the country.
Srettha emphasized that it was normal for some people to be upset by the reshuffle, but he thanked Parnpree for his work and apologized for any dissatisfaction caused by the decision. The prime minister assured that the new minister would continue the good efforts made by Parnpree during his time in office. While the exact timeline for appointing a replacement for Parnpree was not specified, Srettha stated that preparations were underway to fill the vacant position. The government’s decision to reorganize the Cabinet reflects its commitment to enhancing governance and administration within the country.
The resignation of Thailand’s foreign minister due to dissatisfaction over the Cabinet reshuffle has sparked discussions and speculations about the country’s political landscape. As the government continues to navigate through various challenges and crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest, the reshuffle signifies a strategic move to optimize the performance of ministers and strengthen their focus on designated roles. The appointment of Pichai Chunhavajira as the new finance minister highlights the government’s efforts to bring in experienced professionals from different sectors to manage key areas of governance and policy-making. Overall, the Cabinet reshuffle underscores the importance of adaptability and efficiency in addressing the evolving needs of the country.
