Phumtham Wechayachai

Phumtham Wechayachai
MPCh MVM
Phumtham Wechayachai MPCh MVM
ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย
	Phumtham in 2021
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
	Incumbent
	Assumed office ; 1 September 2023
Prime Minister	Srettha Thavisin; Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Minister of Defence
	Incumbent
	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 (age 71); 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	Chulalongkorn University; National Defence College;
Occupation	Businessman; politician;
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 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]