Former Thai PM Prayut’s wealth grows by 2.8 million baht post-office

Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former prime minister of Thailand, along with his wife, saw their assets increase by 2.8 million baht, while former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan‘s wealth increased by 2 million baht after they left office.

This information was released by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Thailand.

Prayut and Prawit’s finances garnered significant attention when the NACC released the declared assets and liabilities of 18 political officeholders from the previous government. Prayut, along with his wife, Naraporn, reported assets totalling 130.2 million baht without any debts. This figure represents a 27.9 million baht increase from their declaration in 2014, when Prayut assumed the role of prime minister.

The majority of Prayut’s assets, worth 98.6 million baht, consisted of bank deposits, investments, two land plots, four cars, including a Porsche Panamera, nine wristwatches, nine firearms, and two bicycles. The couple also reported an income tax payment of 343,814 baht for last year.

Naraporn’s assets, which totalled 31.5 million baht, included bank savings, four land plots, a Toyota Alphard, and a collection of accessories. She reported an annual income of 453,351 baht, with yearly expenses amounting to 400,000 baht.

When Prayut assumed his role as prime minister on September 4, 2014, the couple reported assets worth 128.6 million baht and debts amounting to 654,745 baht. Prawit, who is unmarried, declared assets worth 89.2 million baht, a 1.9 million baht increase from his 2014 declaration. He reported a minor debt of 757.26 baht.

Phuthep Thaweechotethanakul, the assistant secretary-general of the NACC, stated that most Cabinet ministers in Srettha Thavisin’s government had complied with the legal requirement to declare their assets and liabilities. Some, however, requested an extension to the December 4 deadline, reported Bangkok Post.

Financial declarations

The Thai PM was among those who sought a 30-day extension. Most members of the former Prayut Cabinet had declared their wealth to the NACC, with those yet to complete their declarations requesting deadline extensions.

The NACC is currently conducting a further examination of Former Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda’s assets and liabilities as part of routine checks. Should any irregularities be found, an investigation would be launched to determine if it constitutes a case of unusual wealth.