Introducing Akanat Promphan, stepson of Suthep Thaugsuban, a promising foreign-educated young man and former spokesman of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). He resigned from the United Thai Nation Party, joined Bhumjaithai Party, and secured the post of Minister of Energy.
On 15 March 2026, the final lineup for Anutin's second cabinet was settled, with Akanat Promphan assigned as Minister of Energy. Initially, there was speculation he would return to his previous ministry as in the coalition government between the United Thai Nation Party and Pheu Thai Party. Ultimately, he was appointed Minister of Energy. Reports also circulated that his stepfather, Suthep Thaugsuban, personally negotiated with the Buriram political faction and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for this position.
Akanat Promphan, nicknamed “Ging,” was born on 12 January 1986 and is currently 40 years old. He is the son of Porntep Techapaibul, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Dr. Srisakul Promphan. After their divorce, Dr. Srisakul remarried Suthep Thaugsuban, former Deputy Prime Minister.
. . Akanat completed his secondary education at Charterhouse School in the United Kingdom. He earned a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Economics, and Management (EEM) from the University of Oxford, followed by a master's degree in Economics and Management from the same university.
Akanat entered politics at a young age, starting asa Member of Parliament (MP)for Bangkok’s Thawi Watthana–Nong Khaem district under the Democrat Party in 2001, when he wasan MPand the youngest member of parliament at only 25 years old.
A turningpointin his political life was his role as a key leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) in 2013–2014, serving as its spokesman to oppose the Yingluck Shinawatra government. This raised his profile widely as a young, articulate figure.Akanatbecame widely recognized as a new generation speaker.
After stepping back and resigning from the Democrat Party in 2022, he joined the United Thai Nation Party as a founding member and served as its secretary-general. The party supported General Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister candidate before joining a coalition government with Pheu Thai Party, where Akanat served as Minister of Industry in Yingluck Shinawatra's cabinet. He played a significant role in crackdowns on illegal factories.illegalfactories.
When the Bhumjaithai Party formed the government, the United Thai Nation Party split, andAkanatchose to leave the party's leader Peerapong Salirathavibhaga and join Bhumjaithai Party to contest elections. He played an important role managing Bangkok areas, though he did not win a seat. Upon the formation of Anutin's second cabinet, Akanat was appointed Minister of Energy amid reports that his stepfather Suthep negotiated the position for him.Akanatwas appointed Minister of Energy, with rumors that Suthep personally negotiated for the post.
