Rumors are swirling about a government spokesperson change under Anutin's administration, with a possible swap between Ratchada and Dr. Ek. The Prime Minister urges everyone to stay calm.
On 31 Aug 2026 GMT+7, reporters noted that amid political pressures and multiple criticisms facing the government, there is a need to adjust the communication strategy to the public. News reports indicate a change in the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson team, proposing Dr. Ekphop Phanpiset, known as Dr. Ek—a physician and former Chiang Rai MP from the Move Forward party, now assistant to Minister Pradorn Prisananantakul of the Prime Minister's Office—to become the new spokesperson, while Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, current spokesperson, would shift to become assistant to Minister Pradorn.
At the evening dinner during the cabinet's offsite meeting in Songkhla province on 31 Aug, the atmosphere was lively. Notably, Ms. Ratchada and Dr. Ek were seated next to each other.
Towards the end, the Prime Minister came to take a photo, raising both their hands in a cheerful mood. When reporters joked, "With hands raised like that, can you be appointed to the cabinet tomorrow?" the Prime Minister raised his hand to halt and said, "Calm down."
Reporters also shared background on Dr. Ek, born 15 Jan 1976, currently aged 50, who is a medical doctor by profession and formerly served as the team physician for the Thai national football team.
His education includes certification of medical expertise in family medicine from the Medical Council, as well as doctoral-level studies.
His political career began as a member of the 25th House of Representatives from March 2019 to December 2022. Initially affiliated with the Future Forward party from March 2019 to February 2020, he then joined the Move Forward party from March 2020 to December 2022.
Currently, he is a member of the Bhumjaithai party and serves as Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, working under the supervision of Minister Pradorn Prisananantakul.
Regarding assets, he declared total assets of 13,799,697.99 baht and stated he has no liabilities.
From a medical career to politics, passing through Future Forward and Move Forward parties before joining Bhumjaithai, he now holds the position of Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.