Sutin Klungsang

Sutin Klungsang (Thai: สุทิน คลังแสง; born 9 March 1961) is a Thai politician and educator. He served as the Thai minister of defence from 2023 to 2024.^[1]

Sutin Klungsang MPCh MVM MP
สุทิน คลังแสง
Sutin in 2024
Minister of Defence
In office 1 September 2023 – 3 September 2024
Prime Minister	Srettha Thavisin
Preceded by	Prayut Chan-o-cha
Succeeded by	Phumtham Wechayachai
Opposition Chief Whip in the House of Representatives
In office 28 May 2019 – 20 March 2023
Leader	Sompong Amornwiwat Chonlanan Srikaew
Preceded by	Jurin Laksanawisit
Succeeded by	Pakornwut Udompipatskul
Member of the House of Representatives for Party-list
Incumbent
Assumed office 14 May 2023
In office 6 January 2001 – 5 January 2005
Member of the House of Representatives for Maha Sarakham
In office 24 March 2019 – 20 March 2023
Constituency	5th district (2019)
In office 6 February 2005 – 2 December 2008
Constituency	1st district (2005, 2007)
Personal details
Born	(1961-03-09) 9 March 1961 (age 64) Chiang Yuen, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
Political party	Pheu Thai (2012–present)
Other political affiliations	Thai Rak Thai (1998–2006) People's Power (2007–2008)
Spouse	Chaweewan Klangsaeng
Alma mater	Srinakharinwirot University Mahasarakham University Magadh University
Profession	Politician, educator
Signature

Early life and education

Sutin graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education from Srinakharinwirot University, Maha Sarakham campus, and a Master's degree in Thai Studies Branch from Mahasarakham University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Magadh University, India.^[2]

Political careers

Sutin with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2023

After the 2019 Thai general election, he shone heavily in politics, being a key figure of the Pheu Thai Party in the heated parliamentary debate on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and he was appointed Chairman of the Opposition whips in the 2019 election, looking for a point to attack the government of Prayut.

On 1 September 2023, he was appointed Minister of Defence, becoming the first civilian in Thailand to hold this position without holding the position of Prime Minister.^[3]

Honours, decorations and awards

• 2020 – Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• 2008 – Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand