Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara says that he has resigned from his ministerial position, stating that he wishes to “uphold his principles”, without offering any further explanation.
His resignation comes as the cabinet reshuffle is announced in the Royal Gazette, which sees him removed from the deputy premiership but retaining the foreign minister portfolio.
“I am confident that my past works, as the deputy premier and foreign minister, have brought benefits to the country. I did my job to the best of my ability and my work was effectively implemented,” said Parnpree.
He added that he has not yet informed PM Srettha Thavisin of his decision, and his resignation will come into effect today.
He said he believes that a suitable person will be found to fill the roles of deputy prime minister and foreign minister.
Asked if he will continue working with the Pheu Thai party, Parnpree, a long-time senior member of the party, said he still loves the party but does not know yet and needs more time to think about it.
His resignation letter went viral on social media. When reporters asked him whether the two-page letter, addressed to the prime minister, was real, he replied “yes, it’s more than real.”
In the letter, he mentions that he travelled to negotiate for the Thai nationals taken hostage in Israel, resulting in the release of 23, as well as the repatriation of 8,000 Thais from Israel to Thailand.
Apart from fostering relationships with ASEAN, the EU, India and the superpowers, his achievements include the launching of visa-free schemes with some countries, he wrote.
He hopes that the cabinet reshuffle will result in a more effective administration of the country, which is transparent and protective of the country’s benefits.
In his letter, he thanked the premier for allowing him to work in the government for a period of time.
