Phumtham Wechayachai

Phumtham Wechayachai

MPCh MVM
ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย
Phumtham in 2025
Acting Prime Minister of Thailand
Assumed office
3 July 2025
MonarchVajiralongkorn
Preceded bySuriya Juangroongruangkit (acting)
Succeeded byAnutin Charnvirakul (designate)
In office
14 August 2024 – 16 August 2024
MonarchVajiralongkorn
Preceded bySrettha Thavisin
Succeeded byPaetongtarn Shinawatra
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
Assumed office
1 September 2023
Prime MinisterSrettha Thavisin
Himself (acting)
Paetongtarn Shinawatra[a]
Minister of Interior
Assumed office
30 June 2025
Prime MinisterPaetongtarn Shinawatra
Suriya Juangroongruangkit (acting)
Himself (acting)
Preceded byAnutin Charnvirakul
Minister of Defence
In office
3 September 2024 – 30 June 2025
Prime MinisterPaetongtarn Shinawatra
Preceded bySutin Klungsang
Minister of Commerce
In office
1 September 2023 – 3 September 2024
Prime MinisterSrettha Thavisin
Himself (acting)
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Preceded byJurin Laksanawisit
Succeeded byPichai Naripthaphan
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Acting
28 April 2024 – 30 April 2024
Prime MinisterSrettha Thavisin
Preceded byParnpree Bahiddha-nukara
Succeeded byMaris Sangiampongsa
Deputy Minister of Transport
In office
11 March 2005 – 19 September 2006
Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra
Personal details
Born (1953-12-05) 5 December 1953
Phasi Charoen, Bangkok, Thailand
Political partyPheu Thai
Other political
affiliations
Thai Rak Thai (1998–2007)
Democrat (1977–1997)
Communist (1976–1977)
Spouse(s)
Apinaya Wechayachai
(m. 1980)
Children3
Education
Occupation
  • Businessman
  • politician
Signature
Military service
Nickname(s)Uan (อ้วน)
AllegianceThailand
Branch/serviceVolunteer Defense Corps
Years of service1969–2004
RankLieutenant Colonel
Battles/warsCommunist insurgency in Thailand

Phumtham Wechayachai MPCh MVM (Thai: ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย, RTGS: Phumtham Wetchayachai, th; born 5 December 1953) is a Thai politician who has been the acting prime minister of Thailand since 2025. He was acting prime minister before from 14 to 16 August 2024, after Srettha Thavisin was removed from office.[1] He was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand in the Srettha cabinet.[2]

Notes

  1. Shinawatra has been suspended by the Constitutional Court from 1 July 2025.

References

  1. "Thai court dismisses PM Srettha over cabinet appointment". Reuters.
  2. นายภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย รองนายกรัฐมนตรีและรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพาณิชย์ พร้อมด้วย นายนภินทร ศรีสรรพางค์ รัฐมนตรีช่วยว่าการกระทรวงพาณิชย์ เข้าสักการะสิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์ประจำกระทรวงพาณิชย์