Introducing the profile of “Dr. Ek - Ekaphop Phianpiset,” former Chiang Rai MP from Future Forward and Move Forward parties, who transitioned to work with Bhumjaithai Party and now holds the position of the new government spokesperson under the second Anutin Cabinet.
On 8 Sep 2026, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul—known as the second Anutin Cabinet—made personnel changes in official positions. The spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office or simply called “government spokesperson” Previously, the role was held by Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, making the government spokesperson team all-female. However, on this day (8 Sep), the Cabinet approved the appointment of a new government spokesperson: “Mr. Ekaphop Phianpiset” effective immediately.
Dr. Ekaphop Phianpiset, or Dr. Ek, was born on 15 Jan 1976, and is 50 years old as of 2026. He graduated with a medical degree from Prince of Songkla University, specializing in family medicine, and holds a doctoral degree along with a certificate of expertise in family medicine from the Medical Council.
Before entering politics, Dr. Ek was known in sports circles as the team doctor for Chiangrai United Football Club and the Thai national team. He also worked as a physician in Chiang Rai province, gaining firsthand experience with local public health issues.
He entered politics by running for Member of Parliament (MP) for Chiang Rai’s first constituency under the Future Forward Party banner. In the 2019 general election, he created a political upset by defeating Mr. Samart Kaewmeechai, a veteran MP and key leader of the Pheu Thai Party, securing his first term as MP.
After Future Forward was dissolved by the Constitutional Court on 21 Feb 2020, Dr. Ek joined the Move Forward Party along with most former MPs. At that time, Pita Limjaroenrat led the Move Forward Party, but Dr. Ek began taking stances and voting against key party decisions, such as abstaining or voting to approve government coalition ministers in 2021. This led to criticism from society and Move Forward supporters, branding him a “snake” (traitor).
As a result, Move Forward imposed a freeze on Dr. Ek and other MPs who voted against party lines—referred to as “freezing snakes”—instead of expelling them. They were barred from using the party name for political activities, stripped of party quota rights, and removed from the position of deputy secretary-general. Dr. Ek served as an MP until December 2022.
Subsequently, he officially joined forces with the Bhumjaithai Party. In the 2023 general election, Dr. Ek ran again for MP of Chiang Rai’s first constituency under the blue party banner. However, he was defeated by Mr. Chitwan Chinanuwat, the Move Forward Party candidate, and did not return to parliament this term.
Despite this, he continues to work with Bhumjaithai Party as part of their public health working group and is often seen alongside Mr. Pradorn Prissanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. He provides policy advice related to public health, medicine, and sports medicine. In addition to commenting on healthcare issues, he frequently analyzes political topics and government performance from his perspective as a medical professional and former Chiang Rai MP.
Today (8 Sep), after the Cabinet’s appointment, Mr. Ekaphop told reporters at the parliament that the spokesperson team intends to focus intensely on delivering accurate information quickly and beneficially to the public. They will avoid debates or emotional political conflicts. The Cabinet works diligently and fully for the people, and the spokesperson team will not stoke political fires or divide citizens by groups or colors.
“We want to lead Thailand to where it can compete globally, improving citizens’ livelihoods and the economy. We aim to compete in ideas. If an idea is good, I believe all Cabinet members will implement it. If the Cabinet performs well, our spokesperson team will communicate that effectively to the public. This is the role the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson will carry forward.”
