An overview of Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, daughter of “Kamnan Por,” owner of a top tapioca starch factory in the country, who retains a firm ministerial seat and is poised to become Minister of Social Development and Human Security in Anutin's second cabinet.
On 16 March 2026, Miss Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, known as Pung, one of the party-list MPs in the Thai Pakdee women's faction of the Pheu Thai Party, remains listed as the nominee for Minister of Social Development and Human Security in Anutin's second government. Sudawan is the eldest daughter of Mr. Weerasak Wangsupakitkosol (Kamnan Por), a former Pheu Thai MP and former Deputy Minister of Transport and Commerce during General Prayut Chan-o-cha's government, together with Dr. Yolda Wangsupakitkosol, or Madame Noi, the current President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization. Sudawan grew up in a family of leading tapioca starch business owners in Thailand who have transitioned into a “major local power base” with the most influence in Nakhon Ratchasima's politics.
During the period when her parents fully entered politics, Sudawan served as managing director of Eiamheng Tapioca Industry Company Limited. She has a younger brother, Mr. Arthit Wangsupakitkosol.
Sudawan was born on 8 August 1982 and is currently 43 years old. She holds a bachelor's degree in geological technology, engineering major, from Suranaree University of Technology. Although she has been an MP for only a short time, she has held ministerial roles in several ministries,
- Former Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation,
- Former Minister of Culture,
- Minister of Tourism and Sports,
- Former party-list member of the House of Representatives in 2023,
- Party-list member of the House of Representatives in 2026.
Pung is known for her polite and gentle demeanor, “calm, composed, and able to quell unrest.” She consistently shows respect to seniors and colleagues, a style that “Kamnan Por” often emphasizes to his children for business and political conduct. Although she appears demure, with her engineering background and tapioca factory roots, she is reputed for hands-on fieldwork and a serious, dedicated approach to her responsibilities.
