Ratchada Thanadirek, government spokesperson under Prime Minister Anutin's second term, has returned to the Government House after three years. She revealed the reasons for switching from the Democrat Party (blue) to the Bhumjaithai Party (navy blue), admitting that she made this decision after several rounds of consideration. She also disclosed that Apisit Vejjajiva called two hours too late.
Thairath Politics program In a conversation with Ratchada Thanadirek, a key female government spokesperson under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has been promoted from deputy government spokesperson during General Prayut Chan-o-cha's administration to full government spokesperson after a three-year absence from the Government House, she explained that the current national situation and responsibilities are very different. Providing timely information to the public is a key part of her role.
“I am an introvert and don’t often use Facebook. When I used to receive many messages early in the morning, I would get annoyed, thinking, ‘Do I have to know everything again this morning?’ But since taking this position, my mindset has changed. I must read everything — the good wishes from people, what is happening in society, analyze situations, listen to social media. Sometimes it reflects opposition voices or the public’s concerns, which are important for us to understand. This is a new change that requires a different way of life,” said Ratchada.
Ratchada also said that sometimes harsh headlines can cause misunderstandings, including selectively quoted statements that risk misleading people, so caution is necessary. When asked which issue was the biggest to clarify, she said it was the explanation regarding Apisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party. She confirmed she did not retaliate but responded with reason. In their personal relationship, she still loves and respects Apisit as her first political home. Regarding the clarification, she said, “We have to perform our role as government spokesperson. Although Apisit raised concerns and useful suggestions, upon reviewing the content, first, we thank him; second, some points he was unaware of because some matters were Cabinet resolutions already explained. This is not to blame him but to reflect that if the public still misunderstands, it means our communication is still insufficient.”
“Since I come from the Democrat Party, people may interpret it variously, such as former leader and subordinate issues, but that really means nothing. We must perform our duties as government spokesperson. Our relationship and respect for the party leader remain the same. (Did you call to clear things afterward?) No, I didn’t clear anything because I believe the leader understands. He was once a government spokesperson and prime minister himself, so he knows that those working in this role must take responsibility and take necessary actions,” Ratchada stated.
Follow the full interview on why all the current government spokespersons are women, the honest admission that Apisit called two hours late during the Democrat Party team formation, and how switching from the Democrat Party to Bhumjaithai was a major life decision. She also shares stories about Prime Minister Anutin’s on- and off-camera personality and reveals what she carries daily in her personal bag, explaining why she considers her Prada bag an indispensable item. All this and more are in this clip.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ3InLbU5ug
Interview by Suphattra Lekpha
Photos by Kampol Lertsitisak, Supaporn Thamprakon, Thanat Chayaphatret
Edited by Nontachai Winyusuphachai