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.[1] He served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand in the Srettha cabinet.[2]
Phumtham Wechayachai | |
|---|---|
ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย | |
 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 | 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 | |
| Occupation |
|
| 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 |
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 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.[3]
On 14 August 2024, Phumtham was appointed acting Prime Minister of Thailand following the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court.[4][5]
Royal decorations
Thailand:
- 2024 –
Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 2008 –
Knight Grand Cross of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant Order of the White Elephant
- 2024 –
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References
- ^ "Thai court dismisses PM Srettha over cabinet appointment". Reuters.
- ^ นายภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย รองนายกรัฐมนตรีและรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพาณิชย์ พร้อมด้วย นายนภินทร ศรีสรรพางค์ รัฐมนตรีช่วยว่าการกระทรวงพาณิชย์ เข้าสักการะสิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์ประจำกระทรวงพาณิชย์
- ^ เพื่อไทยทาบ "มาริษ เสงี่ยมพงษ์" เต็งหนึ่งว่าที่ "รมว.ต่างประเทศ"
- ^ ภูมิธรรม เรียกถกด่วน ครม.ชุดรักษาการ พรุ่งนี้ หลัง เศรษฐา พ้นเก้าอี้นายกฯ
- ^ ภูมิธรรม ชี้เร่งหารือพรรคร่วมรัฐบาล ทำงานต่อเพื่อประชาชน หลัง "เศรษฐา" พ้นนายกฯ