Profile of “Big A” Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, the new Minister of Tourism and Sports.
On 26 February 2026, following the recent election results, the picture has become clearer. The leading candidate to become the Minister of Tourism and Sports is “Big A” Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, who currently serves as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, known as A, was born on 2 September 1976. He is currently 49 years old and the son of Mr. Weerachai and Ms. Somthong Phanjaroenworakul, the President of the Provincial Administrative Organization of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
He has four siblings: Somsri Tanjarrak, Mayor of Lam Ta Sao Subdistrict; Suwimon Phanjaroenworakul, former Member of Parliament for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; and Napatsawan Phanjaroenworakul, wife of Second Lieutenant Preechapol Phongpanich.
He is married to Mrs. Issariya Phanjaroenworakul.
He completed secondary education at Amnuay Silpa School and earned a vocational certificate from Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RMUTS), Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya campus, Wasukri.
He pursued a bachelor's degree in business administration, majoring in management, from Rangsit University.
He entered politics as a member of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization for Wang Noi District.
He first ran for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2007 with the People's Power Party, replacing his sister Suwimon Phanjaroenworakul, a former Thai Rak Thai MP who had left politics.
In 2007, he was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya under the People's Power Party (established in 1998).
In 2011, he was re-elected as a Member of the House of Representatives for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya representing the Pheu Thai Party.
In 2019, he was elected again as a Member of the House of Representatives for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya under the Bhumjaithai Party.
In 2023, he was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, District 4, representing the Bhumjaithai Party.
In 2023, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Education, a position he currently holds.
In September 2025, he was appointed Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation in the Anutin-led government.
Sports achievements
“Big A” is a key figure in the management team of Ayutthaya United Football Club, where his younger brother, “Boss Eed” Adisak Phanjaroenworakul, serves as club chairman.
He has been closely involved with the professional football team since its time in Thai League 3, guiding it as it advanced to Thai League 2 and now to Thai League 1 in the current season.
He aims to promote tourism by integrating sports as a vital component driving future development.
In 2024, while serving as Deputy Minister of Education, during the UEFA European Championship (Euro 2024) held in Germany, he expressed concern about online gambling issues, which cause significant distress and harm to the public.
It remains to be seen whether 'Big A' Surasak Phanjaroenworakul will be officially appointed minister as anticipated, and if so, how he will implement policies to develop and advance Thailand’s sports sector alongside tourism.