BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s foreign minister has abruptly resigned amid dissatisfaction with a Cabinet reshuffle that removed him as one of the country’s deputy prime ministers.
prime minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed on Monday the report of Parnpree Bahiddha-Nugara’s resignation, saying he respected the decision and had already begun the search for a replacement.
Srettha said it was normal for some people to be upset about the reshuffle, adding that he had already sent a message to Parnpree apologizing and thanking him for his work.
“Thanks to his work, which has been in the good interest of the country, I believe that the new minister will continue these good efforts,” he said, but did not say when the next appointed minister would take office.
On Sunday, Srettha’s government, which took office less than a year ago, announced its first cabinet reshuffle. Shortly thereafter, the media circulated a document purporting to be a resignation letter from Parnpree on Sunday, in which he expressed dissatisfaction at being removed from the position of deputy prime minister, leaving him only as foreign minister.
In Thailand, ministers are permitted to hold multiple cabinet positions and it is common for senior ministers to also be appointed deputy prime ministers.
Srettha said the intention behind Parnpree’s removal as deputy prime minister was to enable him to concentrate on his role as foreign minister.
In an interview with public broadcaster Thai PBS on Sunday, Parnpree said the letter was authentic but denied he was unhappy. He said the prime minister had the power to make that decision but said it was “somewhat unusual” and argued it would be more difficult for him to work as foreign minister if he did not also hold the title of deputy prime minister.
Parnpree, who was first appointed in August, undertook several diplomatic efforts, including a visit to the Middle East to negotiate the release of Thai workers in Israel held hostage by Hamas and the first humanitarian aid initiative for Thailand’s war-torn neighbor Myanmar, where millions have been displaced by violence following the military coup in 2021.
As part of the cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Srettha, former CEO of Thailand’s leading real estate developer, lost his seat as finance minister. He will be replaced by Pichai Chunhavajira, who was until recently chairman of energy group Bangchak and chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Pichai was also appointed deputy prime minister.