Ratchada Thanadirek smiled as she led three deputy government spokespersons for a photo before the cabinet meeting in Songkhla, amid rumors that Dr. Ekphop Pienpiset will replace her as government spokesperson, with Ratchada switching to assistant minister. Pradorn plans to propose the change at next week's cabinet meeting.
On 1 September 2026, the first official cabinet meeting (mobile session) of 2026 was held at the 60th Anniversary Celebrations International Convention Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai campus, Kho Hong subdistrict, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. Reporters noted that before the meeting began, Ratchada Thanadirek, permanent spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, posed for photos with the three deputy spokespersons: Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, and Lieutenant Commander Phatdarasmit Thongsaluay, all smiling warmly.
On the evening of 31 August, rumors emerged that the government planned to reshuffle the permanent spokesperson position, promoting Dr. Ekphop Pienpiset, assistant to Minister Pradorn Prissanantanakul of the Prime Minister's Office and Bhumjaithai Party member, to government spokesperson. Meanwhile, Ratchada would move to serve as assistant minister under Pradorn.
Before the cabinet meeting, reporters asked Dr. Ekphop if he was here to observe the work. He replied that he was accompanying Minister Pradorn since he is his assistant. When asked how he felt today, he said he works closely with Pradorn. Asked how he would help resolve the government's communication crisis, Dr. Ekphop said he would do his best. Regarding rumors that he would replace Ratchada as government spokesperson, he quickly denied them. "Not yet. We have to wait for the cabinet meeting first," he said.
Reports indicate that Dr. Ekphop's appointment as permanent government spokesperson will be formally proposed for cabinet approval in next week's meeting.
Dr. Ekphop was formerly a candidate for Chiang Rai MP with the Move Forward Party. He currently serves as assistant minister in the Prime Minister's Office under Minister Pradorn Prissanantanakul and is a member of the Bhumjaithai Party.
