Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's Lavish Assets: A Closer Look

Thailand's new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has just declared a whopping £324 million in assets. This includes a jaw-dropping collection of 217 designer handbags and 75 luxury watches. She made these declarations to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which is standard for those in public office. Paetongtarn is no stranger to wealth. She's the daughter of billionaire ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who once owned Manchester City football club. Her wealth declaration also includes investments worth over £250 million, properties in London, and land in Japan. Plus, she has 23 luxury vehicles, 205 sets of earrings, and 67 necklaces. Despite her massive wealth, Paetongtarn also has liabilities totaling nearly £117 million, which leaves her with a net worth of £208 million. This isn't surprising to many Thai voters, given her father's immense fortune.Politics and fashion often go hand in hand in Thailand. Paetongtarn is frequently seen in high-end designer clothes. But she's not alone. Her rivals also flaunt expensive tastes. For instance, Prawit Wongsuwon, a former army general, was once caught in a scandal involving undeclared luxury watches. The Shinawatra family has long dominated Thai politics. Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, became prime minister in 2001 and gained a massive following among rural voters. However, the military and royalist establishment ousted him and other family members from power. In recent elections, the Shinawatra family's party was surpassed by a newer, more progressive party. In a controversial move, they formed a deal with their old rivals to keep this new party from power.