Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has stepped down from his position after being stripped of his role as deputy prime minister in a recent cabinet reshuffle. His resignation came as a surprise to many, with key figures in the government, like Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, expressing that they did not expect this turn of events.
Parnpree's departure has left the Foreign Ministry in a state of uncertainty, particularly during a critical time when the country is involved in efforts to address the conflict in Myanmar. Known for leading the team on Myanmar affairs and launching a humanitarian initiative to facilitate talks between conflicting parties in Myanmar, Parnpree's absence could impact the Ministry's operations in these areas. Despite his resignation, government officials have assured that the Ministry's permanent secretary and staff will continue to handle foreign affairs work in his absence.
The former foreign minister, who also played a significant role in securing the release of Thai hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, expressed in his resignation letter that he believes his removal from the deputy prime minister post was not a reflection of his performance. Parnpree highlighted his efforts to enhance Thailand's international standing and indicated that he was baffled by the decision to remove him from the DPM position. His unexpected departure from the government's leadership structure raises questions about the reasons behind this sudden change and how it may impact Thailand's diplomatic strategies moving forward.