BANGKOK: Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest member of the influential Shinawatra political dynasty, has declared assets exceeding $400 million. The announcement, submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as part of her official obligations, provides a detailed glimpse into her extensive wealth, including a remarkable collection of luxury items.
The asset declaration revealed investments worth 11 billion baht (approximately $314 million), supplemented by cash and deposits totaling another billion baht. Among her personal possessions are 217 designer handbags, collectively valued at 76 million baht ($2.2 million), and an extraordinary collection of 75 luxury watches worth nearly 162 million baht ($4.6 million). She also owns real estate properties in London and Japan, further enhancing her portfolio.
Despite declaring liabilities close to five billion baht, the prime minister’s net worth stands at an impressive 8.9 billion baht (about $255 million).
The declaration underscores Paetongtarn’s ties to the Shinawatra legacy, spearheaded by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. A telecommunications magnate and former prime minister, Thaksin remains one of Thailand’s wealthiest individuals, with a reported net worth of $2.1 billion. His political influence has persisted even during his years of exile following a military coup that ousted him from power.
Paetongtarn, who took office in September, continues her family’s two-decade dominance in Thai politics, becoming the fourth member of the Shinawatra clan to lead the government. Her wealth and lineage have drawn both admiration and scrutiny as she navigates her role in a politically complex environment.
The Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn, confirmed the accuracy of the NACC declaration, emphasizing transparency in governance. As one of the youngest leaders in Thai political history, Paetongtarn’s declaration offers a rare insight into the wealth of one of the region’s most prominent political families.