(BANGKOK) In a landmark disclosure that underscores the remarkable wealth within Thailand’s political elite, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been revealed as the country’s richest-ever head of government, with declared assets approaching 14 billion baht ($405 mil), according to official records released by Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
The 37-year-old premier, who assumed office in September 2024, has submitted financial declarations showing personal holdings of 13.84 billion baht, alongside liabilities of 4.4 billion baht, significantly overshadowing the wealth of her predecessor and other former Thai leaders.
The revelation places Ms Shinawatra’s fortune well above that of her father, the telecommunications mogul and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose declared assets peaked at 12.57 billion baht during his second premiership in 2005. Mr Thaksin’s wealth fluctuated throughout his political career, starting at 9.84 billion baht in 2001 before declining to 8.48 billion baht by 2007.
The NACC’s disclosure offers a rare glimpse into the financial standing of Thailand’s political dynasty, with the current premier’s wealth dwarfing that of recent predecessors. Former army chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha trails significantly with assets of 700 million baht, whilst property magnate Srettha Thavisin declared 659 million baht ($19 million). Yingluck Shinawatra, the premier’s aunt and Thailand’s first female prime minister, reported comparatively modest holdings of 579 million baht ($16.7mil) during her tenure.
This unprecedented wealth disclosure comes at a pivotal moment for Thailand’s democracy, as the nation navigates its latest political transition under the leadership of its youngest-ever prime minister, who has inherited not only her father’s political legacy but also appears to have substantially expanded upon the family’s considerable fortune.
