Politics pays well for ex-general

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From The Thaiger

Former Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), General Prawit Wongsuwon, has been exposed for his staggering wealth, including a fleet of luxury cars worth 87 million baht, as reported by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The NACC, responsible for scrutinising the assets of political office-holders and government officials, made public Gen. Prawit’s lavish holdings, sparking widespread media frenzy.

Leading the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the 78 year old’s financial declaration grabbed headlines, shedding light on his opulent lifestyle and extensive assets, as mandated by his role as SAT board chairman, which requires triennial asset disclosures.

Gen Prawit declared himself “single,” unveiling assets totalling 87.84 million baht, alongside a minor debt of 757 baht. His wealth comprised hefty bank deposits of 40.48 million baht, investments valued at 6.53 million baht, prime real estate in Bangkok and Pathum Thani worth approximately 10 million baht, and a collection of five luxury vehicles valued at 13.6 million baht, among other assets.

The Bangkok-born politician’s reported annual income of 2.34 million baht, including pension sums, living allowances, and previous governmental salaries, paled in comparison to the worth of his assets.

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From Thai PBS World

Srettha and Thaksin meet over cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Thaksin Shinawatra over lunch today in a central Bangkok hotel, amidst speculation over a cabinet reshuffle.

Srettha was accompanied by his deputy, Phumtham Wechayachai, and his secretary general, Prommin Lertsuridej.

Thaksin, who was released on parole from a prison term he was serving on three corruption convictions, is believed to be the one calling the shots in the current political environment.

Srettha is the successful prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai party, which was founded by Thaksin and which has Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, as its leader.

It is noted that those who participated in today’s lunch are key figures who have long been trusted by Thaksin.

Rumour has it that the lunch was arranged because Srettha has completed his reshuffle list and wishes to get a nod of approval from Thaksin.

Speculation has it that those likely to be removed from the cabinet in this reshuffle include Public Health minister Cholnan Srikaew, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Agriculture minister Chaiya Promma.

Of particular note were his luxury vehicles, notably a Jaguar I-Pace AWD HSE worth 4 million baht and a Mercedes Benz V250d valued at 2.5 million baht, acquired in June 2021 and June 2022 respectively.

Additionally, Gen. Prawit disclosed owning a TW Steel watch valued at around 15,000 baht, nine rings worth approximately 132,000 baht, and a trio of handguns, including a Colt, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson.

This bombshell disclosure follows earlier controversies surrounding Gen. Prawit, notably the Supreme Administrative Court’s order for the NACC to divulge findings from an investigation into allegations of false asset declarations, stemming from a scandal involving a cache of luxury watches and rings, reported Bangkok Post.