Supachai clarifies she has not disappeared but is not focused on image-building. She admits shortcomings in public relations and vows to personally provide explanations on all matters moving forward.
On the evening of 10 July 2026 at MOON RIVER restaurant in Nonthaburi province, Supachai Sutthumpan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, convened senior Ministry of Commerce officials, including Permanent Secretary Wutthikrai Leewirapan and Ministry inspector and spokesperson Kornnit Nonjui, to meet with ministry media representatives. The purpose was to clarify details and address recent criticisms after public speculation that she had withdrawn from media appearances, communicating only online, despite previously being known for actively responding to media inquiries and diligent public service.
Supachai firmly affirmed that she continues to carry out her duties and lead the Ministry of Commerce's work at all times, focusing on substantive results rather than image. The ministry's scope is broad, including grassroots farmer support, domestic marketing, and international trade negotiations. Misunderstandings about her absence arose because she had delegated communication duties to department directors or the ministry spokesperson. Recognizing this public relations weakness, she acknowledged that ministerial-level direct communication carries more authority and clarity. She is now ready to adapt by combining her work with proactive public relations and personally increasing her media engagement.
"I have not disappeared. I continue working every day because commerce covers a very wide range. However, I may have fallen short in communication by previously delegating speaking roles to department directors or the spokesperson. I now understand that it carries less weight than the minister speaking directly. Going forward, I am ready to adapt and work alongside the ministry's public relations efforts more frequently," Supachai stated.
In addition to clarifying her position, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce also outlined current economic directions and measures to support citizens' livelihoods. She noted that domestic fuel prices have steadily declined, and the Ministry of Transport has announced reductions in public transport fares and some freight costs. The Ministry of Commerce continues strict price controls to ensure market prices correspond to actual costs and maintain fairness for consumers.
She has ordered relevant agencies to urgently initiate negotiations with consumer goods producers to obtain detailed cost structure documentation for thorough ministry review before any market price changes occur. Since April, the ministry has implemented alternating discounted product campaigns to ease living costs. Moving forward, it will continue closely monitoring tensions and conflicts in the Middle East to assess impacts on global commodity and energy prices and prevent further effects on Thai living expenses.