Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared assets worth US$400 million, including over 200 designer handbags and 75 luxury watches. This requirement was mandated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission for public officials. Paetongtarn is the daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, marking continued political influence of the Shinawatra family in Thailand.
On Friday, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra officially declared her vast assets exceeding US$400 million, which includes a notable collection of over 200 designer handbags, valued at more than US$2 million, and approximately 75 luxury watches, estimated at nearly US$5 million. This declaration was made to comply with regulations set forth by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), as required for public officials. Paetongtarn, the daughter of billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, became the fourth member of her family to assume leadership of the Thai government in the past 20 years.
The comprehensive asset declaration revealed a total of 13.8 billion baht (approximately US$400 million) comprising various assets, investments worth 11 billion baht, and another billion baht in cash and deposits. In addition to her luxurious possessions, her assets include properties located in London and Japan, showcasing her family’s significant wealth and investments on an international scale. Her declaration, which was made public through media channels, highlighted the extensive financial holdings of the Shinawatra family, reinforcing their established status in Thailand’s political and economic landscape.
The recent asset declaration by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra follows a longstanding tradition in Thailand where public officials must disclose their financial holdings to ensure transparency and integrity in governance. Given the historical context of her family, particularly her father’s contentious political career, the declaration serves as both a regulatory requirement and a public relations measure to address concerns about corruption in Thai political life. The Shinawatra family’s political legacy has been influential in Thailand, making this declaration significant as it reflects on both their wealth and ongoing dynasty in leadership.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent declaration of assets, which includes extravagant luxury items and substantial investments, emphasizes the wealth of the Shinawatra family and their significant role within Thailand’s political sector. The requirement for public officials to disclose their assets aims to promote transparency, particularly given the family’s political lineage. This declaration highlights both the affluence of Thailand’s political elite and the scrutiny under which they operate.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
