Chaiyanon Chidchob opens up about his birth mother and educational background, emphasizing he has never hidden these facts. He asks that if there are attacks, they be directed at him personally rather than focusing on the wrong issues. He has assigned the legal team to protect his rights, even though he does not want to cause more trouble.
10 Jun 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Chaiyanon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society and Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed the wave of criticism concerning his mother, stating he would only clarify once because it is inappropriate to involve this issue in politics. He further explained, regarding his relationship with his mother, he knows that she divorced his father, Mr. Newin Chidchob, when he was about 2 or 3 years old, a time he cannot remember. From then on, his mother, Khun Karun Chidchob, raised him from childhood to adulthood.
On whether he ever asked about his birth mother and father, Mr. Chaiyanon said he did ask but his father was uncomfortable answering, so he did not pursue the reasons behind their separation. He knows his mother has a new family and is happily settled, having been with her partner for many decades. He has not met or spoken with his mother but has followed her well-being and knows she is not struggling.
Regarding the 2011 case where police raided an illegal gambling den connected to his mother, he said he was unaware of it at the time and only learned later, which helped him get to know his mother better. He added that if his mother sees this news, he wants to say thank you for giving birth to him and that the news has not affected his feelings. He wishes her a peaceful life.
"As for the media aiming to destroy my political future or discredit me, please focus on the right issues and do not divert attention elsewhere. My mother is not involved; we live separate lives and separate families, and everyone is happy."
When asked if Mr. Newin had given him any advice since the controversy began, Mr. Chaiyanon said he must endure because he is the target and that this is normal. He must learn and improve himself to survive. He avoided politics growing up because he knew it was harsh, but now that he is involved, he accepts it. He trusts his father's teaching that if one intends to do good, they should remain steadfast and continue.
Regarding his education abroad for 17 years but graduating with a bachelor's degree in Buriram province, Mr. Chaiyanon said he never hid this. He attended prep and high school, repeated a university year, did internships, and eventually left studies to work on a racetrack before finishing his degree. He emphasized that nothing about his family or education has been concealed.
When asked if he saw the criticism as a low blow, Mr. Chaiyanon said, he is a political newcomer and does not know whether it is a low blow or not, but as a person, he would not do such things and stands by this principle. When asked if he would use legal rights to protect himself, he revealed he is considering it and has assigned legal counsel to handle the matter. If he can tolerate it, he might not take action because he does not want to cause more trouble, but he will consult his legal team first. .