At an auspicious moment, Ratchada, the government spokesperson, entered Government House to pay respect to sacred symbols. She revealed that the Prime Minister instructed communicators to provide the public with complete and straightforward information, without concern for defending the Prime Minister. Attention is on appointing Lalida and Phatdarasmi as deputy spokespersons now.
At 08:19 on 7 April 2026 at Government House, Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, brought a flower garland to pay respects to the guardian spirit shrines, the grandfather and grandmother shrines—sacred symbols within Government House—to seek blessings before officially beginning her duties.
Ratchada said she is aware of the challenges ahead and understands the situation, noting that communication from the government to the public is essential. Being given this opportunity is a great honor. She aims to communicate complete and straightforward information to the public to foster understanding and hopes this understanding will help alleviate public distress.
Regarding the current oil price crisis, Ratchada noted that her role as spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office differs greatly from the past due to the situation and heightened public expectations, as well as active social media. She said she and the spokesperson team must integrate work more closely with ministry spokespersons and related agencies to promptly clarify emerging issues with accurate, complete, and swift information. This is a challenge requiring improved coordination among government agencies.
Asked if there are areas for improvement based on her prior experience as deputy spokesperson, Ratchada said she understands public sentiment but recognizes that government communication can sometimes be slow. Particularly in current circumstances, public expectations are high, and even a delay of 3-4 hours can feel like a day. She emphasized efforts to improve this and noted that AI is now being used to listen more to social media voices. The government hears and understands public concerns and is focused on clarifying and communicating policies clearly. She and the spokesperson office will work to improve in these areas.
When asked if the Prime Minister gave any guidance, Ratchada said the Prime Minister briefly stated that in times of communication crises, conveying information is essential. The Prime Minister understands all public feelings and emphasized that communicators should provide complete, reasonable, and straightforward information without worrying about defending the Prime Minister or ministers. Instead, spokespersons should communicate what benefits the public.
Asked about responding to criticisms or questions from the opposition, especially politically, Ratchada said they do not see the need for confrontation. If the opposition presents issues based on incorrect data or impractical views, they will clarify. Today’s task is not to argue but to create correct understanding. The main duty is to provide complete, reasonable, and straightforward information while listening to feedback from MPs and the public.
Regarding rumors about the first Cabinet meeting scheduled for 11 April, Ratchada said it depends on the parliamentary schedule for the government policy statement, originally set for 9-10 April but possibly shifted to 10-11 April. Confirmation from Parliament is awaited. The first Cabinet meeting will consider appointing political officials. On 6 April, the Prime Minister urged ministers to submit names of their teams and stressed thorough qualification checks. Deputy spokesperson positions will include representation from the Pheu Thai Party. The work will be conducted as a team.
A reporter at Government House reported that after the special Cabinet meeting on 6 April, Ratchada Thanadirek was appointed spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office. After the government policy statement to Parliament, two additional deputy spokespersons will be appointed, including quotas from the Bhumjaithai Party and the Pheu Thai Party. The Bhumjaithai Party will nominate Lalida Pherdvivatana, former deputy spokesperson in Anutin’s first Cabinet, to serve again in Anutin’s second Cabinet.
Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party will nominate Lt. Phatdarasmi Thongsaluyakorn, a Pheu Thai party-list MP candidate, to be deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office under their quota.
