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.

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.

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.

On 14 August 2024, Phumtham was appointed acting Prime Minister of Thailand following the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court.

•  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