Tej's resignation deepens political crisis

By The Nation
Published on September 4, 2008


Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag's abrupt resignation sent a strong signalto Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej that his Cabinet's days arenumbered. It is an open secret that Samak had made a personal requestto HM the King to allow Tej to serve as foreign minister in hisgovernment. At the time, the former foreign minister served as anadvisor to the principal royal secretary to HM the King. Hisresignation represents Samak's lowest point in his sixmonth term.Throughout yesterday afternoon, Samak tried unsuccessfully to preventTej's resignation, which was effective immediately.

Tej's appointment had reclaimed Thailand's foreign policy credibilityand confidence after months of questionable conduct by hispredecessor. Noppadon Pattama's role in the Preah Vihear Templedispute stirred up protests both in Bangkok and the border provincesadjacent to the temple. It also led to the ruling by the ConstitutionCourt that the joint communique he signed with Cambodia in May wasagainst the constitution. It was the first such case in Thailand'sdiplomatic history.

During Tej's short 40day stint, he managed to improve the morale ofthe ministry's staff and rehabilitated three senior officials to theirformer positions, in particular directorgeneral of protocol VeerachaiPhalasai. He also took part in the two rounds of negotiations over thetemple, which ended with positive results. Both sides agreed to meetfurther. The next round of talks was postponed due to the politicalsituation in Thailand. Tej also accompanied Samak to China during theOlympics opening ceremony and visited Laos and Burma.