Deputy PM explains jewellery to graft agency
Deputy PM General Prawit Wongsuwan has submitted a letter explaining his possession of luxurious watches and a diamond ring, which he failed to include in his assets declaration to the anti-graft agency.
A meeting of the National Anti-Corruption Commission on Friday was informed that Prawit had submitted his letter to the agency as required, said Pol General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, the NACC president.
The commission is now examining the letter in detail, Watcharapol said, and would possibly hold a press conference on the issue as early as Friday..
Photos of Prawit wearing several luxurious watches on different occasions went viral on social media beginning two weeks ago.
The controversy 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.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said last week that his deputy’s possession of expensive watches was a personal matter, but no one could spare him if he was found guilty.