Profile of Ratchapong Chukaew, who resigned as Secretary to Minister of Transport Phiphat after less than three months amid rumors that a person with the same surname ranked second in a local government exam.
On 3 July 2026, reporters noted that further developments are awaited after Mr. Ratchapong Chukaew resigned as Secretary to the Minister of Transport. The resignation was signed off by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and took effect on 27 June 2026. There is speculation that Mr. Ratchapong's resignation may be connected to rumors that a relative sharing his surname ranked second in a local government examination.
Mr. Ratchapong Chukaew is known as a longtime figure in southern Thai politics. He has held local political positions such as Member of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization Council representing Hat Yai District, former Deputy Mayor of Hat Yai City, and he also ran as a candidate for Member of Parliament for Songkhla District 2 under the Bhumjaithai Party in 2023. Mr. Ratchapong is also recognized as a close confidant of Mr. Phiphat.
Mr. Ratchapong was appointed Secretary to the Minister of Transport following a Cabinet resolution on 21 April 2026 during the Anutin 2 government, upon Mr. Phiphat's recommendation to the Cabinet. His tenure as Secretary lasted less than three months since his appointment, and he has not publicly explained his reasons for resigning.
However, on 4 November 2025, the Royal Gazette website published Ministry of Transport Order No. 1237/2568 regarding the appointment of political officials, confirming Mr. Ratchapong's earlier appointment as Secretary to the Minister of Transport (Mr. Phiphat). The Cabinet approved this on 14 October 2025, following Mr. Phiphat's royal appointment as Minister of Transport during the Anutin 1 government.
