Thread: Assets Of PM And Cabinet Revealed

Khaosod English
October 31, 2014

Thailand’s national anti-graft agency has published the assets of coup-leader turned Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his cabinet, revealing that one third of the ministers are worth more than 100 million baht.

Prauyth, the former army chief who led a coup on 22 May, declared 128 million baht in net assets - which is nearly 4 million in US dollars - and 645,754 baht in debt.

The wealthiest of the 33 ministers appears to be Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathon Devakula, with 1,378 million baht in assets and no debt to his name. Next in line is Panadda Diksul, who runs the Office of the Prime Minister, and declared 1,315 million baht in assets, also with no debt.

According to the report, the poorest Cabinet member is Education Minister Narong Pipatanasai with 6.95 million baht in assets and 2.92 million baht in loans.

After leading a coup in May, Prayuth was chosen as Prime Minister by the rubber-stamp parliament he appointed in August. Nearly a third of his Cabinet members are military men.

Although initially reluctant, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) eventually ordered Prayuth and his cabinet to declare their assets, which all holders of political office are normally required to do by law.

Members of the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly were also ordered to declare their financial holdings in August. However, the NACC recently ruled that the National Reform Council, which will be spearheading a year-long reform effort, is exempt from the order because their work is “academic,” not political.

"They do not have to declare their assets because they will only perform academic works," said NACC spokesperson Wicha Mahakulon 21 October. "They have no stake in politics."

The council, also hand-picked by Prayuth, has been tasked with proposing reforms across a variety of sectors, including the country's politics, public administration, judiciary, local government, and mass media, among others.

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NACC Reveals Assets Of Cabinet Members

Bangkok Post
November 1, 2014
Writer: Post Reporters





Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday he is ready to defend the sources of his wealth after the anti-graft agency unveiled the assets and liabilities of his cabinet.

The list showed that the entire administration is virtually debt-free.

Gen Prayut and his wife have declared a net worth of 128 million baht in assets and 654,745 baht in debt. Speaking to reporters about his assets and debts, Gen Prayut said he cannot remember the details, but all of the items can be examined and verified.

He said he is undaunted by the prospect of being scrutinized. "I am thankful. I can assure you that I will do my best. I have no hidden agenda," he said.

According to Isra News Centre, Gen Prayut's asset declaration includes a deposit of 540 million baht on May 10 last year. The money was transferred to his bank account by his father, Col Prapat Chan-o-cha, after the sale of land plots. Isra News Centre revealed Gen Prayut transferred certain amounts to his father and brother and gave some of his portion to his children.

Members of the public can see the details of the asset declarations of each cabinet minister at the National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) head office and on its website. The information is available for public scrutiny until Nov 14.

According to the NACC, the wealthiest minister in the cabinet is Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula with a net worth of 1.38 billion baht and no debt.

The second richest is PM's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul with 1.31 billion baht in assets. He is also without debt.

The least wealthy member of the cabinet is Education Minister Adm Narong Pipatanasai, ex-navy commander, who declared net assets worth 9.8 million baht and debt of 2.9 million baht.

Following the assets declaration, the wealth of Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, two core members of the Burapha Phayak faction was also of special interest.

Gen Prawit has declared a net worth of 87.37 million baht and no debt. Compared with assets worth 79 million baht he declared after vacating office as defence minister in the Abhisit government in August 2012, Gen Prawit is about 8 million baht richer.

Gen Anupong has declared 37.79 million baht worth of assets and no liabilities. He signed as an insurer for Phrueksapjan Pattana Co for a loan worth 258.9 million baht on May 30 last year.

Gen Prayut's assets and debts list was eagerly anticipated after his brother, Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha, recently declared his assets in his capacity as a member of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). Gen Preecha, assistant army commander, and his wife have 42 million baht in their bank accounts and nine land plots worth 9.1 million baht.

All cabinet members and the NLA are required by the NACC to reveal their assets and liabilities. The list revealed that a number of former and current state officials in the NLA hold net assets worth more than 100 million baht.

Assistant national police chief Jakthip Chaijinda has 97.4 million baht in assets and his wife has 870.9 million baht in assets. With 6.3 million baht worth of debts, the list showed the couple have a net worth of 962 million baht.

National police chief Somyot Pumpunmuang and his wife have assets totalling 246.4 million baht and 128.2 million baht respectively. Their net worth after debts of 18.8 million baht is 355.8 million baht.

Of the other cabinet ministers, Agriculture Minister Pitipong Phuengboon Na Ayudhaya has declared 830.52 million baht in net assets; Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee 283.71 million baht; Finance Minister Sommai Phasee 113.44 million baht; ICT Minister Pornchai Rujiprapa 108.99 million baht; Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin 140.24 million baht; Science and Technology Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj 68.44 million baht; Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukvanich 51.74 million baht; Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith 23.64 million baht; Deputy Public Health Minister Somsak Chunharas 38.98 million baht; PM's Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana 21.57 million baht; Deputy Education Minister Krissanapong Kirtikara 55.16 million baht; Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai 138.13 million baht; Deputy Interior Minister Sutee Markboon 61.89 million baht; Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat 27.51 million baht; and Deputy Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantaporn 29.43 million baht.

PM says he can justify his wealth | Bangkok Post: news

So these figures are from the set of books that are submitted to the tax man. I would like to see their own private set of books.
How cynical of me, of course we all know a thai wouldn't do anything like that.
sep

From a cultural aspect, it is quite interesting to note the collection of amulets is as much prized by the Establishment as it is among most other sections of Thai society.

This is only 10% of what they really have...

It appears as though the army is a very lucrative career path for enterprising and dedicated young Thai men.

9 Handbags worth 2.47 million Baht

on par with the cost of genticles' sausages