PARNPREE Bahiddha-Nukara, Thailand’s former foreign minister, said he resigned from his post because he could not perform effectively his diplomatic duties after the prime minister removed him as the deputy prime minister.
According to Parnpree, it is common for a foreign minister to also assume the role of deputy prime minister to make foreign affairs operations smoother. He noted that being removed as deputy prime minister while retaining the post as foreign minister was a “little bit unusual.”
The 67-year-old played a role in securing the release of Thai hostages in Gaza and initiating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Myanmar during his reign as both foreign minister and deputy prime minister which lasted for more than seven months.
The former foreign minister said he believed that his performance was not the reason for a change in status, adding that he had dedicated himself to his work and that he was ready to give way if the ministry found someone more suitable than him.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the report and said he respected the foreign minister’s decision. Thavisin said he aimed to let Parnpree focus on his work as foreign minister and apologized if the cabinet reshuffle made him uncomfortable. The prime minister added he is now looking for Parnpree’s successor.
A retired diplomat who served as Thailand’s former ambassador to Australia and Canada emerges as the top candidate to replace Parnpree as the country’s foreign minister.
