Thai king approves former Thaksin-aligned official as foreign minister

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has nominated Mr. Maris (66 years old) to succeed Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, according to the Bangkok Post . Mr. Bahiddha-Nukara resigned as foreign minister on April 28 after losing his position as deputy prime minister.

Mr. Maris served as Thailand's ambassador to Australia and Canada and was an advisor to Mr. Bahiddha-Nukara. Mr. Maris also had a close relationship with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to the Bangkok Post.

Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa served as Thailand's ambassador to Australia and Canada.

Bangkok Post screenshot

Mr. Maris said he was not concerned about the challenges of the new position because he had worked at the Thai Foreign Ministry for decades and served as an ambassador.

Mr. Maris also said that he would be able to cooperate effectively with Prime Minister Srettha because he knew Mr. Srettha well and always kept in touch with the leader.

Mr. Maris' appointment as Thailand's new foreign minister comes at a crucial time as Thailand steps up diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in neighboring Myanmar, according to Reuters.

In March, Thailand began providing aid to Myanmar in a humanitarian initiative aimed at paving the way for talks between the warring factions.

Myanmar has been in a spiral of violence since the military seized power in a coup in 2021.

Since October 2023, Myanmar's military government has faced its biggest challenge to its grip on power, after armed rebel groups launched coordinated attacks on military outposts in several states, according to Reuters.

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