Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a net worth of £208m, including luxury assets and investments. The declaration made to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) listed her wealth, including designer handbags (£1.8m), watches (£3.8m), vehicles (£1.6m), and properties in London and Japan.
Paetongtarn’s father, billionaire ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has a net worth of £1.7bn, making him the 10th richest person in Thailand. The family’s wealth is no surprise to many Thai voters, who have long been familiar with their lavish lifestyle.
The revelation comes at a time when corruption allegations against politicians are on the rise. Prawit Wongsuwon, a former army general and rival of Paetongtarn, has faced scrutiny for his unreported luxury watches. The Shinawatra family’s dominance of Thai politics has been under threat in recent years, with their old rivals outdoing them in the 2023 elections.
Paetongtarn’s wealth declaration is just one aspect of her father’s extensive fortune, which includes telecommunications and real estate investments. As she navigates her new role as Prime Minister, Paetongtarn must balance her family’s legacy with her own duties to the nation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/03/thai-prime-minister-declares-324m-in-assets-including-217-designer-handbags