Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (C), known by her nickname "Ung Ing" and daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, addresses the media after a special cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangkok on September 7, 2024. - Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the heiress of Thailand's most famous political dynasty, was sworn in as prime minister on September 6, capping a month of turmoil in which her predecessor was thrown out of office and the main opposition party dissolved. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP)
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has declared assets worth over $400 million, including 217 designer handbags valued at more than $2 million and 75 luxury watches worth almost $5 million, according to her asset declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of billionaire and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, assumed office in September, becoming the fourth member of her family to lead Thailand in the last two decades.
The declaration revealed that her total assets amounted to 13.8 billion baht ($400 million), comprising:
11 billion baht ($307 million) in investments, 1 billion baht ($28 million) in deposits and cash, Property in London and Japan.
Her liabilities stood at 5 billion baht ($143 million), leaving her with a net worth of 8.9 billion baht ($258 million).
The Shinawatra family has long been a prominent political and financial force in Thailand. Her father, Thaksin, a former telecommunications tycoon and past owner of Manchester City Football Club, boasts a net worth of $2.1 billion, making him the 10th richest person in Thailand, according to Forbes.
Thaksin’s political legacy remains strong despite his years in exile following his removal in a coup. His wealth and influence have propelled the family into a central role in Thai politics, with Paetongtarn continuing the dynasty’s legacy.
The asset declaration has reignited discussions about the intersection of wealth and governance in Thailand, particularly in light of the country’s persistent economic inequalities.
