Former 'Future Forward' MP Appointed Government Spokesperson, Tracing Political Journey

The Thai government has appointed Dr. Ekapop Piasep as the new government spokesperson, replacing Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, who recently resigned. Dr. Ekapop's political journey began as a 'country doctor' serving remote areas in Chiang Rai. A significant turning point occurred in 2009 when he was invited by Mr. Mitti Tiya-pairoj, president of Chiang Rai United FC, to become the team's doctor. This led him to also serve as a doctor for the Thai national football team for about two to three years, earning him the moniker 'doctor of the War Elephants' before entering politics. His political aspirations were sparked by watching Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit's political vision on television. In the 2019 general election, he submitted his profile through the Future Forward Party's website. Despite facing seasoned politicians, Dr. Ekapop, a political newcomer, won the seat for Chiang Rai's Constituency 1. After the dissolution of the Future Forward Party in 2020, he joined the Move Forward Party, like most 'orange-clad' MPs. However, in 2021, amidst controversies surrounding MPs who voted against party lines, Dr. Ekapop began to work closely with a group of younger MPs from the Bhumjaithai Party, including Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat and Mr. Kanvei Prisananuntakul. These relationships were built on parliamentary collaboration and shared connections from the football world. In the 2023 general election, he ran for MP in Chiang Rai under the Bhumjaithai Party banner but was unsuccessful. In the 2024 election, he ran as a party-list candidate but did not secure a seat. Despite these electoral setbacks, his political career continued. In 2024, as the Bhumjaithai Party restructured and opened up roles for younger members, Dr. Ekapop expressed his support and shared his experiences working with this group. Subsequently, in the 'Anutin 2' government, he was appointed as an assistant to Mr. Kanvei Prisananuntakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, before his latest appointment as government spokesperson. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that the new spokesperson's crucial mission is to communicate the 'government's work' rather than focusing on political games. Nevertheless, this change in spokesperson is being closely watched, especially as the Anutin 2 government faces communication challenges and seeks to enhance public understanding of its achievements. Dr. Ekapop's role will extend beyond press briefings, requiring him to prove his ability to foster understanding of the government's performance and to firmly represent the 'blue' government against the 'orange' opposition, his former political home. Information Source: INN News