Proxy minister? How Nikorn kept Thailand’s tapioca clan in Cabinet

Nikorn Soemklang, a second-time Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima, has been thrust into the national spotlight after his unexpected appointment as minister of Social Development and Human Security.

The role was originally intended for Pheu Thai deputy leader Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, as one of the eight ministerial seats allocated to the coalition’s second-largest partner.

However, Sudawan was excluded from Anutin Charnvirakul’s new Cabinet after the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) charged her family business with encroaching on forest land in Ubon Ratchathani province.

Sudawan, who managed the family’s tapioca-starch company before entering politics, insists the land was lawfully acquired.

Powerful Northeast dynasty

The Wangsuphakijkosol family is a powerful political clan based in the Northeast. Sudawan entered Parliament as a Pheu Thai list MP in 2023 and rose quickly, holding three ministerial posts across two Pheu Thai-led administrations.

Under PM Srettha Thavisin, she served as tourism and sports minister (2023 to 2024) before shifting to culture minister (2024 to 2025).

After Srettha was disqualified, his successor Paetongtarn Shinawatra appointed her as minister for higher education, science, research and innovation.

Sudawan’s father, Weerasak, served as deputy commerce minister and deputy transport minister in General Prayut Chan-o-cha's government.

Her mother, Yonlada Wangsuphakijkosol, currently holds the position of chief executive for the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO).

New era of scrutiny

Nikorn's sudden promotion highlights the stricter vetting process for ministerial appointments implemented since Srettha’s August 2024 removal for appointing a former convict to the Cabinet.

Rigorous background and qualification checks are now undertaken by various state agencies and independent organisations to ensure ethical standards set by the Constitutional Court are met.

Nikorn, 45, is linked with the political faction led by Sudawan’s father, Weerasak. Analysts believe the faction nominated Nikorn as Sudawan’s replacement to retain its designated share of Cabinet seats under the quota system.

He takes his place as one of 14 first-time Cabinet members in the new government, including five newcomers from Pheu Thai.

Budget leverage

Born in Nakhon Ratchasima on February 9, 1981, Nikorn earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the local Suranaree University of Technology and a master’s in science from the University of Hannover in Germany.

He first entered local politics as secretary to Sudawan’s mother, Yonlada, the chief executive of the Nakhon Ratchasima PAO since 2020.

He jumped to the national stage in 2023, elected as a Pheu Thai MP for his home province, before winning re-election last February.

During his first term, Nikorn served as vice chair and spokesperson of the House committee on budget management, and as secretary of the ad hoc panel tasked with vetting the Budget Bill for fiscal 2026.

During the Budget Bill debate in May last year, he pushed for the government to prioritise development of transport infrastructure to meet global challenges and support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the Thai economy.

“Building infrastructure that genuinely serves the people means it is not just a tool for travel, but also a driver of economic growth,” he said.

“The transport budget should be leveraged to drive the economy forward, mitigate risks, and expand opportunities for individuals at every level in this unpredictable world. Ultimately, our aim is to secure Thailand’s future and promote the well-being of all citizens.”