Yotsanan Wongsawat shared about his father Somchai, explaining that education changed people's lives—from working in a rubber plantation to becoming Prime Minister. "Uncle Thaksin" was the one who recommended his field of study before university. He revealed feeling honored that people want to "เติมเชน" (fill the chain).","tags":["education","politics","role models"]},{
The Thairath Politics program visited the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to speak with Minister Professor Dr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI. He revealed that before his appointment as minister, discussions took place within the Cabinet and the Pheu Thai Party to determine the best fit for each position. Being from MHESI was not an absolute advantage, so he also met with other ministers and external entrepreneurs. Since MHESI is an upstream ministry, and other ministries are downstream, listening to them is essential to start correctly. There are both strengths and areas for self-improvement. The Pheu Thai ministers focus on human capital development from early childhood under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, linked to the Ministry of Education to ensure newborns have good health and opportunities. When entering the workforce, upskilling and reskilling are necessary to connect with labor and welfare rights. Science and technology will be mechanisms to increase income and create new economic engines, fostering new job markets." ,"tags":["government","education policy","human capital","science and technology"]},{
Professor Dr. Yotsanan also spoke about his political role models, mentioning a mixture of figures: U.S. Presidents John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Barack Hussein Obama, and China's supreme leader Xi Jinping. In Thailand, he cited several former prime ministers such as Pridi Banomyong, Professor Major Puey Ungphakorn, Anan Panyarachun, as well as his father Somchai Wongsawat and uncle Thaksin Shinawatra. Each has aspects to learn from—some are beloved by business sectors or the public. One must find a balance and develop their own leadership style and signature identity." ,"tags":["political leaders","role models","leadership"]},{
Professor Dr. Yotsanan acknowledged that Thaksin was the person who advised him on which academic field to pursue before university. He had already discussed this with both his father and mother, who were in the judiciary and nursing professions, respectively. His father Somchai was an inspiration, as he witnessed every stage of his father's life—from rubber farming to becoming Prime Minister—and how knowledge and education could change everything." ,"tags":["education advice","family influence","career guidance"]},{
"Knowledge can change everything. It is a shield within us. Today, no matter how others perceive us, if we have knowledge, we can be givers, and people will give back to us. But if we have nothing to offer, we likely won't receive anything in return. Knowledge can be a personal asset," said Professor Dr. Yotsanan." ,"tags":["knowledge","personal development","education"]},{
Follow stories about life, family, and the origin of the phrase "เติมเชน," why Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul still wants to "เติม" (add), and whether he truly enjoys singing on the Thairath Politics program on the Thairath News YouTube channel." ,"tags":["interview","Thairath Politics","Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul"]}]}