SAPM TALK Ep.11 “Ideer Suchada” Opens Up About Her Life in Chaiyaphum

From daughter of a local politician to a rising female politician, “Idear Ms. Suchada Sangtansap," MP for Chaiyaphum Constituency 4, Bhumjaithai Party, opens up about her perspective on politics amidst the hopes of the people, with challenges including reducing inequality, developing infrastructure, upgrading agriculture and tourism, and creating opportunities for the people of Chaiyaphum. She shares her experience as a female politician, the importance of listening to the people, and balancing her multiple roles. SAPM Talk Ep. 11 invites you to open up about the political journey of a new generation who wants to see their hometown move forward.

The beginning of my political career:

- I should explain that during my acting career, I was close to Mr. Supachai Srivijit, or "A Supachai," a person who has launched the careers of many famous actors. He invited me to act in some plays, and at that time, I was 19 years old; it was a profession that provided me with a good income. My political journey started with Mr. Samrit Tansap, the MP for Chaiyaphum from the Bhumjaithai Party, who was a local politician before me. Therefore, I had experience from a young age because I always followed my father wherever he went during his fieldwork. As I grew older, I had opportunities to work on policies and joined the New Dem group in the Democrat Party. This gave me a great boost of motivation. I felt that inequality had always existed in modern times, and I thought that if I could implement my policies, it would be beneficial. Today, I am an MP because of my determination and commitment to developing my hometown, Chaiyaphum, a province lacking inequality and development. I want the people of Chaiyaphum to have access to education and many other opportunities, just like elsewhere.

The most difficult part of my work:

-During my time as spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, I had to summarize issues quickly, think fast, and explain them to the public in an easily understandable way. During my time as secretary to the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, I had to implement policies and gather information on problems within the ministry that I thought could be improved and addressed and then report them to the minister. Being a Member of Parliament is difficult, but the challenge lies in the people's hopes, and we must try to fulfill those hopes. Listening, understanding, following up, and implementing solutions is tough because we fear we might not be able to fully meet the people's expectations.

My perspective on the term "Chaiyaphum's big house" Affiliated with the Bhumjaithai Party:

-I don't see the term "big family" as negative at all. I think it's all positive because it means there are people who believe we can be relied upon. My father was a local politician for a long time and consistently worked for the people, achieving clear results. I want to emphasize that I don't want people to think I can't do as well as my father, but I will try my best. Since becoming an MP, I've received quite positive feedback from the public. I also want people to see that female politicians can work just as well; I don't want gender discrimination.

The most difficult problems to solve in Chaiyaphum province:

-1. Infrastructure. In the area I oversee, the roads have been underdeveloped for a very long time. If roads are developed in the area, tourism in the province will be easier. 2. Agricultural production. More than 70% of the population in Chaiyaphum province are farmers. Farmers depend on predetermined prices to know whether they will make a profit or a loss over the past 10 years. This is why I want to focus on developing the sector so that we don't rely solely on agriculture. I want to find ways to create enough jobs in the service and tourism sectors so that talented people don't have to leave to work elsewhere.

Methods for managing stress:

-Some people like to say that work and personal life need to be balanced, but for me, they are the same thing. Being a politician, being a Member of Parliament, is a lifestyle; it's life. So, our days off aren't like other people's. But duty is something we must uphold. A mother's duty is to raise her child and give them their first meal. I have a work schedule, and I try to balance my life as a mother, wife, and daughter, and as a Member of Parliament, as happily as possible.

Young people are interested in politics:

-I'm happy that young people are becoming interested in politics. For me, I became interested in politics from my father since I was a child. Politics is in everyone's life, and it's unavoidable. It affects many people. I would like to tell young people to do their best today without causing trouble for others. Also, whether it's studies, life planning, or career, everything changes every day, especially in the current era of AI, which requires constant updating. Finally, don't forget to do your job well and to the best of your ability. Personally, I believe everyone will find their own path to what they want to be.