New Thai PM Anutin discloses $158 million assets including jets

BANGKOK – Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has declared assets worth US$124 million (S$158.88 million) that include three private jets, two speed boats and a luxurious property in Bangkok.

The former construction tycoon also listed 1.09 billion baht (S$44 million) of cash and deposits in more than two dozen bank accounts among his assets worth 3.9 billion baht.

Mr Anutin, 58, disclosed his wealth to the National Anti-Corruption Commission as a requirement for government officials, and the agency made the record public on Sept 9.

The leader of Bhumjaithai Party, the third largest in Parliament, and champion of cannabis decriminalisation policy has ascended to power after the

Constitutional Court dismissed ex-premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra

for ethical violations.

Mr Anutin received the support of the People’s Party, the largest bloc in Parliament, in exchange for the commitment to dissolve Parliament in four months to pave the way for a general election and a public referendum to amend the Constitution.

Mr Anutin has investments of about 655 million baht and in 2024 reported an income of more than 1.8 million baht, according to the document.

Among his other assets are several deeds to land, four luxury cars, 22 watches, 24 amulets and 11 Benjarong porcelains dating back to the 13th century and initially made for royalty. 

Mr Anutin’s royalist credentials have boosted his standing, arguably even above the leaders of military-backed parties.

While he insisted he did not play any role in 2024’s contest for a new Senate, about 75 per cent of new senators are linked to him or Bhumjaithai, according to political analysts. BLOOMBERG