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 (Thai: ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย, born 5 December 1953) is an important Thai politician. As of July 2025, he is serving as the acting Prime Minister of Thailand. This happened after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra temporarily stepped aside. He also served as acting Prime Minister for a short time in August 2024. This was after the previous Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, left office.
Mr. Phumtham has held many other important roles in the Thai government. He served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce in the government led by Srettha Thavisin. Later, in the government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, he served as Minister of Defence. Currently, he is both a Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior.
Contents
Who is Phumtham Wechayachai?
Phumtham Wechayachai is a well-known figure in Thai politics. He has dedicated many years to public service. His journey began with a strong educational background.
Early Life and Education
Phumtham Wechayachai was born on 5 December 1953 in Bangkok, Thailand. He attended Taweethapisek School for his high school education. After that, he went to Chulalongkorn University. In 1975, he earned a degree in Political Science. He continued his studies and received a master's degree in Political Science in 1984.
Starting His Career
Before becoming a full-time politician, Phumtham Wechayachai worked in the business world. From 1997 to 1998, he was the chief executive officer (CEO) of a company called Shin Corporation. A CEO is like the main boss who makes big decisions for a company.
His Journey in Politics
Phumtham Wechayachai has been involved in Thai politics for a long time. He has been a member of several different political parties. He also held important positions in the government.
Joining Political Parties
Mr. Phumtham was a member of the Communist Party of Thailand for a short period from 1977 to 1978. Later, he joined the Democrat Party and was a member from 1978 until 1997. After that, he became part of the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party.
Working in Government
Phumtham Wechayachai worked as an advisor to the Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. An advisor gives important advice to leaders. He was then appointed as the Deputy Minister of Transport in 2005.
In 2006, there was a major change in the government. The Thai Rak Thai party was later dissolved. For some years, Mr. Phumtham could not hold official political jobs directly. However, he remained involved behind the scenes. He worked as a media strategist, helping with communication for the party.
When the time limit for not holding office ended in 2012, he expressed his wish for national unity. He was ready to work for the Pheu Thai Party, which was a successor to Thai Rak Thai. From 2012 to 2013, he served as the party's Director, then its Secretary-General, and later as Deputy Leader.
Important Roles in Recent Governments
Phumtham Wechayachai continued to play key roles in recent Thai governments. He served in important cabinet positions and even stepped in as acting Prime Minister.
Serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
After the 2023 Thai general election, Mr. Phumtham was appointed to two important roles. He became a Deputy Prime Minister and 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 happened after the previous minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, left the position. He was succeeded by Maris Sangiampongsa a few days later.
Times as Acting Prime Minister
On 14 August 2024, Phumtham Wechayachai became the acting Prime Minister of Thailand. This happened when the previous Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, left office. He served in this role for a short period.
Again, in July 2025, he became acting Prime Minister. This occurred when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra temporarily stepped aside. As acting Prime Minister, he takes on the responsibilities of leading the country.
Special Awards and Honors
Phumtham Wechayachai has received several special awards from the Thai monarchy for his service to the country:
- 2024 –
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 2008 –
Knight Grand Cross (First Class) The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
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See also
In Spanish: Phumtham Wechayachai para niños
