Biography of Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, heir to the "Soh Som Song" family of Ayutthaya, now set to become Minister of Tourism and Sports in the second Anutin Cabinet.
On 14 March 2026, reporters noted that the cabinet lineup for the second Anutin administration was settling, with the Bhumjaithai Party as a key leader in government. The person most likely to be appointed Minister of Tourism and Sports is Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, who currently serves as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Biography of Surasak Phancharoenworakul
Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, nicknamed "Ae," was born on 2 September 1976, currently aged 49. He is the son of Mr. Wirachai and Som Song Phancharoenworakul, the President of the Provincial Administrative Organization of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. He is married to Mrs. Issariya Phancharoenworakul.
He completed secondary education at Amnuay Silp School, obtained a vocational certificate from Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RMUTS) at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Vasukri Center, and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in Management from Rangsit University.
Political career
Mr. Surasak is a former member of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization for Wang Noi District. He first ran for Member of Parliament in 2007 with the People's Power Party, succeeding his sister, Ms. Suwimon Phancharoenworakul, a former Thai Rak Thai MP who had left politics.
In 2007, he was elected Member of Parliament for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya with the People's Power Party.
In 2011, he was re-elected MP for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya representing the Pheu Thai Party.
In 2019, he was elected MP for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya under the Bhumjaithai Party.
In 2023, he was again elected MP for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya with the Bhumjaithai Party.
In 2023, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's government, Mr. Surasak was appointed Deputy Minister of Education.
From 2025 to present, he has served as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation in Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's administration.
In the election on 8 February 2026, Mr. Surasak stepped back from contesting a constituency seat and was instead placed at number 98 on the Bhumjaithai Party's party list. Although not elected as an MP this round, it is understood that this low party list position was to prepare for his appointment as a minister.
Additionally, Mr. Surasak has served as chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, and as a member of the special committee studying the Thai canal excavation and development of the Southern Economic Corridor.
Achievements in sports
Mr. Surasak is a key figure in the management team of Ayutthaya United Football Club, where his younger brother, "Boss Eed" Adisak Phancharoenworakul, serves as club chairman. He has been closely involved with the professional football team since its time in Thai League 3, through its promotion to Thai League 2, and now Thai League 1 this season. He aims to promote tourism by integrating sports as a vital part of future development.
