A one-on-one conversation with Chaiyachon Chidchob amid political storms clears up doubts about the TH-AI Passport project, the senator rigging case, life under the "Ban Yai Buriram" influence, behind the teachings of father Newin and mother Tai, and his candid reflections on a life nearly spent in monkhood—having let go of everything except one unresolved matter.
This month’s Thairath Politics program ventured to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to discuss various issues amid the intense surrounding political climate. Mr. Chaiyachon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party.
When asked to define the term "Ban Buriram" or "Ban Yai Buriram" which is often linked to holders of key positions, Mr. Chaiyachon explained from an insider’s perspective that those who get close to his father (Mr. Newin Chidchob) or the party leadership must always start by "first getting close through their work." It is not a matter of personal favoritism. Everyone must continuously prove their performance, abilities, potential, and efficiency to earn trust and be allowed to work more closely, gradually moving nearer. From the outside, people might superficially think positions are gained through closeness, but in reality, all cabinet members and officials are highly capable individuals who understand the public and bureaucracy well.
"Ban Yai Buriram has never operated by liking someone personally and pulling them close. Anyone who gets close to my father must start and get close through work first. Coming close means proving yourself and your achievements."
As the son of "Uncle Newin" and "Aunt Tai" (Mrs. Karuna Chidchob), Mr. Chaiyachon admitted that being their son made life easier in many aspects, especially in learning opportunities, diverse experiences from a young age, studying abroad, and being free from debt or survival worries. However, it also brought difficulties, as he faced expectations in a different form and was often "pre-judged" by society before his true self was known, including criticisms such as "a minister born with privilege" and accusations of advancing through family connections.
Mr. Chaiyachon acknowledged that criticism about nepotism is understandable since he is the party secretary, the party leader’s nephew, and son of Newin Chidchob. Yet he insisted that becoming a minister was never his ultimate goal, and the party leader (Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul) and party executives prioritize results over connections in serving the public.
"Being party secretary, the party leader’s nephew, and Newin Chidchob’s son is undeniable. But ultimately, I believe it’s the 'work' that serves as the true measure. Connections or not don’t matter if we create real change—that is proof enough."
Regarding his parents’ teachings, Mr. Chaiyachon revealed that his father and mother rarely taught by sitting down to talk but rather "taught through their actions." An important lesson his father consistently emphasized was "We must work effectively with everyone," whether good or bad, skilled or unskilled, as everyone has their own strengths. The focus should be on results and not letting personal feelings influence judgment. He also taught him to be "patient" with social criticism. Mr. Chaiyachon recounted a time when he had been ordained as a monk for several months and almost decided not to disrobe, but the sole reason he chose to return was "feeling that he had not yet repaid his father’s kindness." He wanted to fulfill his father’s expectations.
"I have let go of everything except one thing: feeling that I still have something to repay my father’s kindness. At that time, I had already released all happiness, my phone, and family concerns, but I knew there was still something he expected, and I hadn’t fulfilled it well enough," Mr. Chaiyachon said.
Follow the full interview for an in-depth look at his work life, the political storms surrounding him, and the controversies society watches closely—covering the TH-AI Passport project, which he confirms has a product far superior to the TOR and does not favor any business group. Regarding data security, although processing must go abroad via the cloud system, the project forbids foreign providers from storing or training learning models with the data, making it safer than most AI on the market today. Also discussed are the senator rigging case often linked to Bhumjaithai, life as an heir of the famous Chidchob family in Buriram, and the popular Google question, "Do you, Chaiyachon Chidchob, have a girlfriend?"
Watch the full interview on Thairath Politics via Thairath News - Thairath Newspaper Column’s YouTube channel.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akwoCzYPsnc
Photo credit: Ekkanit Mainoi