Panpree comeback on cards as Sihasak’s chief adviser

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangkhetkeow is tipped to bring back veteran politician and former deputy prime minister Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara as chief adviser.

The report follows a royal command published in the Royal Gazette on March 31 endorsing the new Cabinet lineup under Anutin Charnvirakun.

Anutin and his cabinet are scheduled to be sworn in on April 6. The new government will present its policy statement to parliament on April 9–10.

Panpree and Sihasak worked together under former Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan in 1988.

Sihasak served as a vice minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when Panpree was deputy prime minister and foreign minister in the Srettha Thavisin administration.

During their earlier collaboration, Thailand pursued a more proactive foreign policy, including stepping up humanitarian engagement with Myanmar, which raised the country’s international profile.

The government also applied to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), pushed economic diplomacy initiatives, and worked to secure the release of Thai nationals held by Hamas in Israel.

Panpree’s return in an advisory role is expected to strengthen the ministry’s work, particularly in economic diplomacy, which has been a key priority for Sihasak since assuming office in October.