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Thai Prime Minister Declares £324m in Assets, Including 217 Designer Handbags

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has declared a staggering £324 million in assets, including a collection of 217 designer handbags and 75 luxury watches. The declaration was made to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), a requirement for public officials in Thailand.

 

Paetongtarn, the daughter of billionaire ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, took office in September, becoming the fourth member of the powerful Shinawatra family to lead Thailand. Her father, Thaksin, has a net worth of £1.7 billion, according to Forbes, making him the 10th richest person in Thailand.

 

The declaration, which was published in local media, reveals that Paetongtarn has investments worth over £250 million, as well as deposits and cash totaling £23 million. She also declared liabilities of nearly £117 million, giving her a net worth of £208 million.

 

In addition to her financial assets, Paetongtarn's declaration also lists a collection of luxury items, including:

 

- 217 designer handbags worth £1.8 million

- 75 luxury watches worth £3.8 million

- 23 vehicles worth £1.6 million

- 205 sets of earrings worth £1.2 million

- 67 necklaces worth £800,000

 

Paetongtarn's love of luxury brands is well-known, and she is often pictured wearing high-end designer clothes and accessories. However, her declaration has sparked debate about the transparency of Thailand's politicians and the potential for corruption.

 

The Shinawatra family has dominated Thai politics for decades, and Paetongtarn's appointment as Prime Minister has been seen as a continuation of this dynasty. However, the family's wealth and influence have also been the subject of controversy and criticism.

 

In 2018, Paetongtarn's rival, Prawit Wongsuwon, was cleared of any wrongdoing by the NACC after he was accused of failing to declare a collection of luxury watches. Prawit claimed that he had borrowed the watches from a dead friend, a claim that was widely ridiculed.

 

The NACC's decision to clear Prawit sparked criticism about the commission's effectiveness in tackling corruption. The commission has been accused of being toothless and failing to hold politicians accountable for their actions.

 

Paetongtarn's declaration has sparked renewed debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability in Thai politics. While the declaration is a requirement for public officials, it has raised questions about the extent of the Shinawatra family's wealth and influence.

 

As Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn faces a number of challenges, including tackling corruption and promoting transparency in government. Her declaration has sparked renewed scrutiny of her family's wealth and influence, and has raised questions about the potential for conflict of interest.