Ex-diplomat Maris top contender for new Thai foreign minister, sources say

Retired diplomat Maris Sangiampongsa is the top candidate to become Thailand's new foreign minister, multiple sources said on Monday, after the previous holder of the post unexpectedly quit having lost his other position of deputy prime minister. Maris is a former Thai ambassador to Australia and Canada and was an advisor to predecessor Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, whom the government on Sunday confirmed had resigned. Maris was approached by the government for the foreign minister portfolio on Monday, the sources said.