Sunisa becomes govt deputy spokesperson

Sunisa Lertpakawat, the former Army lieutenant who came to fame in 2007 for her book "Thaksin Where Are You?" has been promoted to deputy government spokeswoman.

Sunisa, who had been serving as Pheu Thai Party deputy spokeswoman, said senior party figures recognised her performance during the Bangkok gubernatorial election campaign and wanted to give her a greater opportunity. She replaces Anusorn Iamsa-ard.

She said she would talk more about her assignment on Friday with Suranand Vejjajiva, secretary-general to the prime minister.

Sunisa, popularly known as "Lieutenant Jeab", became a controversial figure while she was still serving in the Army after she went to London to interview former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and wrote the book "Thaksin Where Are You?" She followed that with "Thaksin Are You OK?" and made many media appearances. She registered as a Pheu Thai Party MP candidate in the 2011 election in Bang Khae but lost to Democrat Onanong Klainok.