Natapanu Nopakun, Well-known Spokesman for Thailand in English, Passes Away

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Thailand-In extremely sad news, Kanchana Phattharachoke, the Director-General of the Thai Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Natapanu Nopakun suddenly passed away after battling an undisclosed illness privately for some time.

A further statement from relevant agencies on his passing is expected later this week, with the only information currently released being that Mr. Nopakun passed away on December 4th, 2023, suddenly from an undisclosed private illness.

 

Natapanu was most recognisable to most foreigners as a daily face for expats and tourists in Thailand during the Covid-19 crisis in Thailand, leading the daily briefings from 2020-2022 in English from the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and providing regular updates on all the changing rules and policies.

 

He received widespread and regular praise for his briefings, clarity, and compassionate demeanour.

 

By Adam Judd

 

Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2023-12-06

 

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[Thingamabob]

Sad news. RIP.

[herfiehandbag]

I remember him. One of the few who didn't bull<deleted>.

[Scouse123]

RIP sad to hear, I remember his clear and concise broadcasts and translations during Covid.

[Tom H]

He is well remembered by all farangs.

Always friendly in difficult times.

I liked him very much.

[Caldera]

Saddening news, RIP. I think he did a very decent job during the pandemic.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Very sad to hear this news....

 

Khun Nopakun set an example for how the Thai government SHOULD communicate with its expat community in English. 

 

He did an excellent job with the regular EN language COVID briefings during very trying times, and was a rarity when it came to the Thai government communicating clearly to expats on important matters.

 

I dealt with him personally several times, and he always was helpful and articulate -- a rarity among government officials here.