Thailand taps former diplomat as foreign minister after Parnpree quits

Myanmar task force loses chair as Pheu Thai factions reshuffle cabinet

Former foreign minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, left, walks along Friendship Bridge No. 1, linking Myawaddy, Myanmar, with the Thai border town of Mae Sot on April 12. (Photo by Gwen Robinson)

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

April 29, 2024 17:27 JST

BANGKOK -- When the new cabinet lineup for Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's seven-month-old government was released on Sunday morning, nothing was surprising except the demotion of his foreign minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara. By late afternoon, Parnpree had resigned, having lost his rank as one of six deputy prime ministers.

Maris Sangiampongsa, a former ambassador to Australia and Canada, has been tapped to be the next foreign minister pending royal approval, sources told Nikkei Asia.