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Phumtham Wechayachai
MPCh MVM
ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย
Phumtham Wechayachai.jpg
Phumtham in 2021
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
Assumed office
1 September 2023
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Minister of Defence
Assumed office
3 September 2024
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Preceded by Sutin Klungsang
Acting Prime Minister of Thailand
In office
14 August 2024 – 16 August 2024
Monarch Vajiralongkorn
Preceded by Srettha Thavisin
Succeeded by Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Minister of Commerce
In office
1 September 2023 – 3 September 2024
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin
Himself (acting)
Preceded by Jurin Laksanawisit
Succeeded by Pichai Naripthaphan
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Acting
28 April 2024 – 30 April 2024
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin
Preceded by Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara
Succeeded by Maris Sangiampongsa
Deputy Minister of Transport
In office
11 March 2005 – 19 September 2006
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
Personal details
Born (1953-12-05) 5 December 1953 (age 71)
Phasi Charoen, Bangkok, Thailand
Political party Pheu Thai
Other political
affiliations
Thai Rak Thai (1998–2007)
Democrat (1977–1997)
Communist (1976–1977)
Spouse
Apinaya Wechayachai
(m. 1980)
Children 3
Education
Occupation
  • Businessman
  • politician
Signature
Nickname Uan (อ้วน)
Military service
Allegiance Thailand
Branch/service Volunteer Defense Corps
Years of service 1969–2004
Rank Lieutenant Colonel
Battles/wars Communist insurgency in Thailand

Phumtham Wechayachai MPCh MVM (Thai: ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย, RTGS: Phumtham Wetchayachai, pronounced [pʰūːm.tʰām wêːt.tɕʰá.já.tɕʰāj]; born 5 December 1953) is a Thai politician who served as acting Prime Minister of Thailand from 14 to 16 August 2024, following the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin. He served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand in the Srettha cabinet.

Early life and career

Phumtham was born on 5 December 1953 native to Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok. He graduated high school from Taweethapisek School. Pursuing higher education, Phumtham obtained a Bachelor of Political Science from Chulalongkorn University in 1975, followed by a Master of Political Science in 1984.

Phumtham was chief executive officer of Shin Corporation from 1997 to 1998.

Political career

Phumtham Wechayachai 2023
Phumtham as Deputy Prime Minister in 2023

Phumtham was a member of the Communist Party of Thailand from 1977 to 1978. He was later a member of the Democrat Party from 1978 until 1997, joining Thai Rak Thai.

Phumtham worked as an advisor to the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra before being appointed Deputy Minister of Transport in the Thaksin II cabinet.

Following the 2006 coup d'état, Phumtham was banned from political office for five years. Returning to politics, Phumtham served as Secretary-General and Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai Party from 2012 to 2023.

Following the 2023 Thai general election, Phumtham was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce in the Srettha cabinet.

On 28 April 2024, Phumtham was appointed Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs after the resignation of Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara. He was succeeded on 30 April by Maris Sangiampongsa.

On 14 August 2024, Phumtham was appointed acting Prime Minister of Thailand following the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court.

Royal decorations

  •  Thailand:
    • 2024 – Order of the Crown of Thailand - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
    • 2008 – Order of the White Elephant - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg Knight Grand Cross of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant Order of the White Elephant
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