Songkhla: "Ratchada" smiled and led the government spokesperson team in a photo session before the Cabinet meeting in Songkhla, amidst rumors of a replacement, with "Dr. Ek," a former MP from the Orange Party, taking her place. She quickly denied the rumors, saying she wanted to wait.
According to Thai News Agency, prior to the first official Cabinet meeting outside of Bangkok in 2026, held at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, Kho Hong Subdistrict, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, the Prime Minister's Spokesperson, led the three Deputy Spokespersons, namely Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, and Capt. Patthadarasmi Thongslueykorn, in a group photo at the press conference area and with officials from the Department of Public Relations. The atmosphere was cheerful, and Ms. Rachada appeared happy and smiling.
However, earlier there were reports that the government would change its Prime Minister's Spokesperson, with Dr. Ekkapop Pienpises, or Dr. Ek, a former MP from Chiang Rai and member of the Move Forward Party, being nominated as the new Prime Minister's Spokesperson. In contrast, Ms. Rachada would be moved to the position of assistant to Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office.
As the Prime Minister arrived at the meeting venue, Dr. Ekkapop was seen among the delegation. Reporters approached him to greet him and asked if he was there for work. Dr. Ekkapop replied that he was accompanying Mr. Paradorn because he is an assistant minister. When asked how he felt about the day, Dr. Ekkapop said that he works with Mr. Paradorn.
When asked how he could help resolve the government's communication crisis, Dr. Ekkapop reiterated that he was doing his best to assist. Regarding rumors of a replacement for the government spokesperson, he quickly denied it, saying, "Not yet. We have to wait for the Cabinet meeting." It has been reported that the name of a new government spokesperson will be proposed at next week's Cabinet meeting.