Dr Dangjai Souvannakitti: Curing 138 years of male dominance at Defence Ministry

Dangjai Souvannakitti has made history by becoming the first female spokesperson of the male-dominated Ministry of Defence.

In the 138 years since the ministry’s founding in 1887, every spokesperson had been male – until Dangjai shattered the glass ceiling by proving she was the right person for the job.

She was officially named the new spokesperson by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on May 23.

She also takes over as head of the ministry’s communication team, commanding several men, including deputy spokesperson Colonel Siwach Chorsawai and assistants Wing Commander Natdanai Chanpleng and Lieutenant Commander Thirawat Chinnarong. The team also features female military officers.

Military and medical background

Dangjai – known to friends as “Nu Lek” – was trained as a doctor, graduating from Siriraj Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University.

She continued her studies in the US at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Her full official title reads, “Colonel Asst Prof Dr Dangjai, PhD”.

Though she specialised in respiratory physiology, Dangjai also possesses deep knowledge in Equilibropathy – a medical field pioneered by her late mother, Assoc Prof Dr Ladawan Souvannakitti.

“I hardly ever have to take pills,” Dangjai once revealed. “My mum taught me Equilobropathy – it’s all about maintaining balance in the body.”

Ladawan studied medicine in Germany before joining Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital as a lecturer.

There, she noticed that patients were prescribed acupuncture treatments based on their anatomic balance, which was affected by lifestyle.

Fusing the science of anatomy and physiology with her medical knowledge, Ladawan applied Equilibropathy, aiming to help patients tackle the root causes of their health problems.

When Dangjai was appointed deputy head of the Physiology Department at the Phramongkutklao College of Medicine in Bangkok, she added Equilibropathy to the curriculum.

As the armed forces’ only medical school, the college employs members of the military as lecturers.

Communications experience

Dangjai has extensive experience in communications, having hosted a long-running television programme on Equilibropathy. The show is broadcast by TNN2 (Truevision 784) in collaboration with the Dunyapab Foundation.

Dangjai joined the ministry’s communication team in 2023 when Sutin Klungsang was the defence minister. She retained her post as deputy spokesperson when Phumtham replaced Sutin last year.

Her historic promotion came after Phumtham’s chosen spokesperson, Maj-General Thanathip Sawangsaeng, tendered his resignation in March amid rumours that his work style did not align with that of the civilian minister.

Initially appointed as acting spokesperson, Dangjai was promoted after performing impressively in the role.

She brings to the job fluency in English, earned during her time studying in the United States, and often addresses press conferences in both English and Thai.

Charity

Despite her busy work schedule, which includes trips to provinces and other countries, Dangjai continues to serve on the board of the Dunyapab Foundation.

The foundation was co-founded by her mother in 1993 with a starting capital of 500,000 baht built through donations. Its mission is to promote holistic healthcare among the public to support better life quality.

The foundation focuses on Equilibropathy, which treats health problems such as dizziness, allergies, and so-called “office syndrome” – muscle and nerve pain due to prolonged sitting and unhealthy posture.

It promotes Equilibropathy therapies and healthcare through both social and mainstream media channels. It also provides free training and treatment for underprivileged patients.

The foundation teaches the principles of balance therapy to children at Siamsaamtri School, with financial support from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

Outside of work, Dangjai is an avid foodie, often sharing her culinary adventures at restaurants serving a wide range of global cuisines with her followers on social media.