Kla Tham vs. Bhumjaithai: Why they want the seat of Minister of Agriculture, which is more than just a ministry overseeing farmers, but a strategic ministry connected to key voter bases and economic mechanisms, especially during the 2026 election transition period.
The information is as follows:
The Kla Tham party, seen as inheriting the power base of Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao's group, desires this ministry for strategic reasons:
Farmer voter base: The Agriculture Ministry has a huge budget and reaches the majority of the country's population, which is an important voter base in the provinces.
Continuing the agricultural land title deed policy: The party aims to push forward converting Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) plots 4-01 into agricultural title deeds, a popular policy that helps farmers use their land as collateral for loans.
Showcasing young talent: The party wants to use this platform to prove it has a new generation of personnel who truly understand the problems and can reform outdated government regulations.
Rumors about appointing Supachai Suthampan (former CEO of Dusit Thani Group) to oversee the Agriculture Ministry alongside the Commerce Ministry carry important implications:
Integrating production and markets: Bhumjaithai wants to solve problems with a "market-led, innovation-supported" approach by having Supachai, with his global business management expertise, link agricultural production (Agriculture Ministry) with exports and new markets (Commerce Ministry) in a unified direction.
Improving party image: Previously seen as a "big house" political party, bringing in a professional like Supachai will boost confidence among the middle class and investors, showing the party has a strong and globalized economic team.
Modern livelihood policies: Focused on increasing the value of agricultural products into premium goods rather than just selling raw materials.
List of Ministers of Agriculture and Cooperatives (past 5 years)
In the past 5 years (2021–2026), the Agriculture Ministry has undergone key transitions from the Democrat Party quota to Palang Pracharath Party, and most recently under the Pheu Thai/Kla Tham era:
Period (B.E.) | Minister's name | Political party | Notes |
2019 – 2023 | Chalermchai Sri-on | Democrat Party | Prayut Cabinet 2/1 |
2023 – 2024 | Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao | Palang Pracharath Party | Srettha Cabinet 1 |
2024 (July - Sept) | Attakorn Sirilattayakorn | Palang Pracharath Party | Promoted from Deputy Minister for a short period |
2024 (Sept) – 2025 | Prof. Dr. Narumon Phinyosinwat | Kla Tham Party | Paetongtarn Cabinet 1 |
2025 (Oct) – Present | Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao | Kla Tham Party | Returned to position while also serving as Deputy Prime Minister |