Prawit’s watch scandal ‘a personal matter’: PM
PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday his deputy’s possession of expensive watches was a personal matter, but no one could spare him if he is found guilty.
Photos of Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan wearing several luxurious watches on different occasions went viral on social media last week.
The controversy affecting the deputy prime minister began after he was spotted wearing what appeared to be a silver-and-black Richard Mille watch and diamond ring during a group photo with the reshuffled Cabinet at Government House on December 4.
While the items appear to be worth millions of baht, he failed to disclose them to the NACC in his assets disclosure.
Acting National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) secretary-general Worawit Sookboon said yesterday Prawit could explain his possession of the luxury watches any time before January 8.
Worawit also asked for time for the NACC to work on the issue, adding that the agency had the authority and legitimacy to investigate Prawit.
Political office holders are required to report their assets to the NACC before they take office and after they leave.
Worawit said the NACC would wait for an official explanation from the deputy prime minister, adding that he did not want to “pre-empt” the issue.
“It’s not complicated,” Worawit said.
Meanwhile, Prawit has kept silent after being approached by reporters recently.