Thaksin's ministers fared well while in office
Asset declarations by members of the former cabinet - ousted by the military coup on September 19 - were revealed yesterday by the National Counter Corruption Commission.
The statements showed most ministers had got richer.
Deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra reported assets totalling Bt557 million while his wife Pojaman declared assets totalling Bt8.7 billion after debts. All of their children have come of age and were not required to declare their wealth, which is substantial. Thaksin's assets were worth Bt48 million more than five years and seven months before, when he became premier, while his wife reported assets worth about Bt1.1 billion less than five years ago. But she was the richest spouse of any cabinet member. The richest member of the former cabinet was Kantathi Suphamongkhon, who reported assets totalling Bt4.6 billion. His wife Supawan reported assets totalling Bt34 million. Kantathi declared assets of Bt4.4 billion when he became foreign minister on March 14 last year. His wealth rose by about Bt141 million in 18 months. The poorest former minister was Pinij Charusombat, who reported debts totalling Bt4.1 million. Chaturon Chaisang, who is now acting leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, reported assets totalling Bt19 million, while his wife Chiraporn has assets worth Bt84 million. Former finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak declared assets worth Bt16 million, while his wife Anuratchani reported Bt61 million in assets. Former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit declared Bt879 million in assets while his wife Surisa has a further Bt485 million. Former justice minister Chidchai Vanasatidya declared Bt24 million and his wife Atchara reported about Bt61 million. Former deputy PM Suwat Liptapanlop reported assets of Bt11 million while his wife Poonpirom declared assets of Bt523 million. Former foreign minister and deputy PM Surakiart Sathirathai declared assets of Bt438 million and his wife Thanpuying Suthawal Sathiratha reported some Bt343 million. Former PM's Office minister Suranand Vejjajiva put his wealth at Bt7 million and his wife Nutchanat's at Bt5.7 million. Newin Chidchob reported assets totalling Bt147 million for himself and a further Bt757 million for his wife Karuna. Former social development and human security minister Watana Muangsook declared assets of Bt24 million, while former tourism and sports minister Pracha Maleenont put his wealth at Bt393 million. Former agriculture minister Sudarat Keyuraphan declared Bt850 million in assets while her husband Somyos Leelapanyalet reported Bt75 million. Her deputy Adisorn Piengket reported just Bt1.5 million in assets for himself but Bt12 million for his wife Yaowanit. The Nation
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