"Whether I am skilled enough today or not, I will give my all, wholeheartedly. I thank everyone for their encouragement and inspiration that push me to keep improving myself," said Chaiyachonok Chidchob, a new-generation political heir raised under the shadow of the Buriram political dynasty. He declared this from the very first day he decided to join the Bhumjaithai Party and enter national politics, and today he is proving his ability as Minister of Digital Economy and Society amid close public scrutiny.
Regarding the Buriram political dynasty, few are close insiders. To get close, one must ask how first. Those who get close to Mr. Nevin Chidchob, the party leader Mr. Anutin, or the party executives, do so through work. There's never been a case of favoritism or personal liking pulling someone close. Everything always starts with work. Once you work together, perform well, and deliver effective results, you get more opportunities, work more closely, and prove your competence more. That's how closeness develops. So, getting close is about proving oneself and one's abilities in various ways. It's not that being close automatically means getting positions. I believe he gained roles through his capability and proven work. But proving his work is what earned him closeness. As for the cabinet, I can say everyone is very capable, even more so than me, with diverse skills in understanding the public and working within bureaucracy.
Being the son of Mr. Nevin and Mrs. Karuna (Tai) Chidchob has made life easier in many ways, but also harder in several respects. I am grateful for the opportunities from childhood to adulthood, experiencing diverse perspectives and societies, without burdens like debts or survival worries — a great blessing I deeply appreciate. Meeting various people since childhood and experiencing life abroad broadened my mindset. All these made life much easier. But on the harder side, everyone has different expectations. People perceive and understand me differently based on my parents' achievements, even though I might not share their passion, like in politics. If I said I wasn’t interested in politics, not everyone would believe me. I have faced judgments before people truly know me.
I think it’s understandable for people to think that way. After all, I am the party secretary, nephew of the party leader, and son of Mr. Nevin Chidchob. That cannot be denied. But becoming a minister was never my life goal. There's no way Prime Minister Anutin or any party executives would choose someone based on connections over results or work for the people. However, I admit connections play a part; having worked closely and built familiarity, they know I can do this job. So, connections can’t be entirely dismissed, but to say it’s only connections with no achievements—that’s not true.
I have never hidden anything about my education. I’ve always said I studied abroad since I was young. I repeated a year and did internships. When my visa expired and problems arose, I returned and studied while working at Chalermkarnjana University, almost failing because I had to write in Thai. This I never concealed. I believe I have achievements, such as transforming the football industry, developing Buriram province, building sports teams, and leading Thai youth to world championships. These are life experiences not easily gained. I understand the criticisms but they do not discourage me. It is my identity that I accept. Ultimately, achievements are the real measure, not degrees or connections. As long as I can bring change in my responsibilities, that proves everything. That’s what matters most.
Actually, many things. They know my character. I grew up studying abroad from a young age, not prone to conflicts. I was a soldier and even ordained as a monk, intending not to disrobe. Seeing me face social pressures affects them emotionally because they love me. When asked what they taught me, the answer is to endure. Their teaching isn’t through talks but by example. One lesson my father always told me from before politics to now is to work effectively with everyone—good, bad, talented, or less so—because everyone has important strengths. We can’t put our own desires first. As a minister, I’ve learned this well. He advised me to focus on work and results, not personal feelings.
In private, I call him 'Uncle Nu,' but in official or work settings, I address him as 'Prime Minister' or 'Party Leader.' He sometimes jokes about why I don’t call him 'Uncle.' We feel it’s important to show respect.
Actually, from the Prime Minister and everyone, we never sit down to say exactly how we should behave or act. Instead, everyone leads by example in their own style and expertise. For instance, Prime Minister Anutin is one of the hardest working people I’ve met, working from morning until late at night. He never tires, handles all situations well, and manages relationships impressively. He is my political role model and example in many ways. Recently, I also admire Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, who has contributed greatly behind the significant changes in the current government.
I have let go of everything except one thing: I feel I still owe my father. I gave up happiness, phones, and family, but I know there is still what he expects, and I have yet to repay him well enough.
,Thairath politicsFollow the full interview on 'Thairath politics' across all Thairath Online platforms, delving into behind-the-scenes of his work life, the surrounding political storms, personal matters, and addressing all public criticisms, including the hot topic of the TH-AI Passport project, which he firmly denies was tailored for specific business groups.
Thairath newspaper news team
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