Yongyuth Wichaidit

Who is Yongyuth Wichaidit?

Yongyuth Wichaidit is a Thai politician. He is the younger brother of Democrat politician Thawat Wichaidit. Yongyuth holds a bachelor's degree in Political science of Chulalongkorn University and a master's degree of National Institute of Development Administration.

Yongyuth was high-rank public servant, served as Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Interior, director-general of the Department of Lands, chairman of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and chairman of the Audit Committee of the Government Lottery Office.

His political functions include assistant minister to Sudarat Keyuraphan, TRT-Health Minister under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and advisor to Minister of Interior Kowit Wattana in Somchai Wongsawat's PPP-led government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior in the government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

7 December 2008, Yongyuth Wichaidit was elected to leader of Pheu Thai Party, the main governing party and successor to the dissolved People's Power Party, which is close to ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin. He followed interim leader Suchart Thadathamrongwet in office. On 9 September 2010, Yongyuth announced to resign from the post to clear place for Kowit Wattana, but the voting party members asked him to carry on the leadership.