Phumtham Wechayachai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phumtham Wechayachai
MPCh MVM
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ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย
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Phumtham in 2025
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| Acting Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| Assumed office 3 July 2025 |
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| Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
| Preceded by | Suriya Juangroongruangkit (acting) |
| In office 14 August 2024 – 16 August 2024 |
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| Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
| Preceded by | Srettha Thavisin |
| Succeeded by | Paetongtarn Shinawatra |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| Assumed office 1 September 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Srettha Thavisin Himself (acting) Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suriya Juangroongruangkit (acting) |
| Minister of Interior | |
| Assumed office 30 June 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suriya Juangroongruangkit (acting) Himself (acting) |
| Preceded by | Anutin Charnvirakul |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 3 September 2024 – 30 June 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Paetongtarn Shinawatra |
| Preceded by | Sutin Klungsang |
| Succeeded by | Natthaphon Narkphanit (acting) |
| Minister of Commerce | |
| In office 1 September 2023 – 3 September 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Srettha Thavisin Himself (acting) Paetongtarn Shinawatra |
| Preceded by | Jurin Laksanawisit |
| Succeeded by | Pichai Naripthaphan |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| Acting 28 April 2024 – 30 April 2024 |
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| 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 |
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| Prime Minister | Thaksin Shinawatra |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 December 1953 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 |
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| 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 is a well-known politician from Thailand. He was born on December 5, 1953. He has held many important roles in the Thai government.
Currently, he is serving as the acting Prime Minister of Thailand. He took on this role in July 2025. This happened after the previous prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was temporarily suspended.
Before this, he also served as acting prime minister for a short time in August 2024. This was after Srettha Thavisin was no longer prime minister. Mr. Phumtham has also been a Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and a minister in charge of different government departments.
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Early Life and Education
Phumtham Wechayachai was born in Bangkok, Thailand. He finished high school at Taweethapisek School. He then went on to study at Chulalongkorn University.
He earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1975. Later, in 1984, he completed his Master's degree in Political Science. Before becoming a full-time politician, he was the chief executive officer of Shin Corporation from 1997 to 1998.
Journey in Politics
Phumtham Wechayachai has been involved in politics for a long time. He was a member of the Communist Party of Thailand for a short period. After that, he joined the Democrat Party and was a member until 1997.
He then joined the Thai Rak Thai Party. He worked as an advisor to the Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. He was later appointed as the Deputy Minister of Transport in 2005.
In 2006, there was a change in government. Phumtham and many other politicians were not allowed to hold political office for five years. Even so, he continued to support his political party from behind the scenes. When the ban ended in 2012, he became a leader in the Pheu Thai Party. This party was a successor to his previous party.
Serving in Government
After the 2023 Thai general election, Phumtham Wechayachai was given important roles. He became the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. He also served as the Minister of Commerce in the government led by Srettha Thavisin.
In April 2024, he briefly served as the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. This was after the previous minister resigned. He held this role for a couple of days before a new minister was appointed.
He also served as the Minister of Defence in the government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Currently, he is also the Minister of Interior.
Becoming Acting Prime Minister
Phumtham Wechayachai has served as acting Prime Minister twice. The first time was on August 14, 2024. This happened after the Constitutional Court of Thailand removed Srettha Thavisin from his position.
The second time was in July 2025. He became the interim prime minister after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by the Constitutional Court. As acting prime minister, he has overseen important national matters.
Special Awards and Honors
Phumtham Wechayachai has received several special awards for his service to Thailand. These are known as royal decorations.
- In 2024, he received the Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand.
- In 2008, he received the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant.
