Phumtham Wechayachai

Phumtham Wechayachai
ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย
Phumtham in 2025
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
Assumed office
1 September 2023
Prime MinisterSrettha Thavisin
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Minister of Defence
Assumed office
3 September 2024
Prime MinisterPaetongtarn Shinawatra
Preceded bySutin Klungsang
Acting Prime Minister of Thailand
In office
14 August 2024  16 August 2024
MonarchVajiralongkorn
Preceded bySrettha Thavisin
Succeeded byPaetongtarn Shinawatra
Minister of Commerce
In office
1 September 2023  3 September 2024
Prime MinisterSrettha Thavisin
Himself (acting)
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
Apinaya Wechayachai
(m. 1980)
Children3
Education
Occupation
  • Businessman
  • politician
Signature
NicknameUan (อ้วน)
Military service
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, 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.