Thaksin's former advisor steps down from the Pheu Thai party's election list MP position

Noppadon Pattama Resigns as Pheu Thai Party MP and Steps Down as Chair of Special House Committee

Noppadon Pattama, a prominent figure in Thai politics, has announced his resignation as a Pheu Thai party-list MP and stepped down as the chair of the special House committee reviewing the cancellation of the 2000-2001 Thai-Cambodian Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs 43 and 44).

Noppadon served as foreign affairs minister under the Samak Sundaravej administration from February 6, 2008, to July 14 that year. Prior to his ministerial role, he worked on issues concerning the revocation of the 2000-2001 memorandums between Thailand and Cambodia during his tenure as the chair of the parliamentary special committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Noppadon's designation as chair of the special House committee was not mentioned in earlier reports, but he was appointed to this role in late August, completing his two-year term. However, he had not completed his work on the committee before stepping down. Deliberations on the cancellation of MoUs 43 and 44 by the special House committee remain unfinished.

Noppadon's resignation was announced on Facebook, and he expressed gratitude to Thaksin Shinawatra, Khunying Potjaman Damapong, and members of the Pheu Thai Party for their support during his tenure.

Noppadon's resignation comes after a political controversy surrounding a joint communiqué with Cambodia about the World Heritage listing of Preah Vihear Temple. The Constitutional Court ruled the joint communiqué unconstitutional, causing controversy in Thailand. Noppadon had resigned as foreign affairs minister after signing the joint communiqué with Cambodia.

Noppadon has been probed in relation to the Cambodia MoUs, but he was acquitted by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

In his resignation statement, Noppadon mentioned his plans to pursue work in law and human development. His resignation took effect on Saturday.

Thaksin's former advisor steps down from the Pheu Thai party's election list MP position