Phongthep, the richest newcomer to Cabinet

In compliance with the anti-graft law, the National Counter Corruption Commission yesterday released the asset statements of 23 ministers following last month’s Cabinet reshuffle.

Among the major assets of Pongthep and his wife are Bt148 million in their respective bank accounts, Bt1.2 billion in investment portfolios, Bt738 million in lending, Bt224 million worth of land plots and Bt10 million in state licences and concession contracts.

Deputy Interior Minister Chatt Kuldiloke has a net worth of Bt1.1 billion, followed by Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong (Bt963 million).

During his transition from Transport to the Interior portfolio, Chatt formalised his marriage to Wimolrat and boosted his fortune by more than Bt900 million. 

In comparison to his colleagues, Deputy Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew has the least wealth, declaring just Bt3.4 million under his name.

Energy Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal’s net worth was Bt840 million, followed by PM’s Office Minister Sansanee Nakpong (Bt54 million), Agriculture Minister Yukol Limlaemthong (Bt17 million) and his two deputies, Yuttapong Charasathien (Bt5 million) and Siriwat Kachornprasart (Bt46 million).

Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan has the wealth of Bt51 million while his two deputies, Prin Suvanadat and Prasert Chantara-ruangthong, have their respective assets valued at Bt49 million and Bt32 million.

Culture Minister Sontaya Kunplome has the net worth of Bt83 million and Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk’s wealth is estimated at Bt12 million.

Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has Bt17 million under his name and Science Minister Woravat Auapinyakul is slightly richer with Bt21 million.

PM’s Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn claims to have more liabilities than assets, resulting in a negative net worth of Bt25 million. Last year he filed his income tax return claiming his earnings were below the tax bracket.

Among an eccentric collection of assets are Pradit’s 20 pricey watches, worth Bt20 million.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul has a large collection of Buddhist amulets estimated at Bt14 million. Former deputy prime minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha reported a drop in wealth from Bt380 million to Bt310 million upon exiting the government. But former deputy finance minister Viroon Tejapaibul made a gain in office, reporting a net worth of Bt181 million. He had Bt166 million when he joined the government a year ago.

Former energy minister Arak Chonlatanon saw his wealth drop from Bt82 million to Bt70 million.