Sirichok Sopha (Thai: ศิริโชค โสภา; born 14 June 1967 in Bang Rak, Bangkok), nicknamed Lek (pronounced [lék], Thai: เล็ก, "small"), is a former Thai Democrat Party politician who represented Songkhla Province in the House of Representatives and previously served as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.[1]

Sirichok Sopha in 2010

Early life and education

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The youngest son of three children born to a Lao-born Chinese father and a Thai mother, Sirichok was educated at Assumption College, St Bede's Preparatory School, Eastbourne College, King's College London (BSc in chemistry) and Prince of Songkla University (MBA).

Career

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After graduation he worked as a lecturer.[2]

He first stood for election in the 1995 general election in the constituency of Bangkok for the Nam Thai Party[a] but was not elected. He also ran for election in Bangkok in the 1996 Thai general election for the Democrat Party, but was also not elected.[2] Sirichok was elected for the first time in the constituency of Songkhla in the 2001 Thai general election.

Politically, he is regarded as being close to Abhisit Vejjajiva, earning him the alias "Wallpaper", as he often appeared behind Abhisit while giving press interviews.[2]

After the 2023 Thai general election, he announced his retirement from politics.[3]

Personal life

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His family business produces squid snacks under the brand Squidy.[2] He owns an aquarium hotel in the Vibhavadi area.

Sirichok is single, and supports Stoke City F.C.[4]

Notes

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  1. ^ led by Dr. Amnuay Weerawan.

References

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  1. ^ http://www.democrat.or.th/th/about/board-of-directors/cabinet_members/detail.php?ID=2936 (in Thai)
  2. ^ a b c d GMM 25 (2018-04-17). "แฉ - คุณศิริโชค โสภา". YouTube (in Thai). Retrieved 2023-06-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ ""ศิริโชค"ประกาศยุติบทบาทการเมือง หลังพ่ายเขต7สงขลา ขอเปิดทางคนรุ่นใหม่". Bangkokbiznews (in Thai). 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
  4. ^ บางเรื่องของ "ศิริโชค-อภิสิทธิ์" ที่คนส่วนใหญ่อาจจะไม่เคยรู้มาก่อน!. Matichon (in Thai). 2012-03-03.