Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has sent a letter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) explaining how he came into possession of at least one of many expensive watches and a flashy diamond ring not listed in his assets declaration.
NACC president Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarn Ratchakij confirmed yesterday that Gen Prawit has submitted the requested formal report and it was currently being reviewed.
Deputy secretary-general Worawit Sukboon also confirmed it, saying Gen Prawit submitted the report on Wednesday. The information would take some time to review as it involved a third-party.
"The NACC would like to refrain from disclosing any information regarding Gen Prawit at this time. We also cannot say at this point whether he has given information only on the Richard Mille wristwatch in question, and if any other inquiries regarding other watches must be investigated later on," Mr Worawit said.
Earlier the CSI LA Facebook reported at least 11 watches seen to be worn by Gen Prawit on various occasions.
"It is the duty of the NACC to examine any mysterious wealth of director-level government officials. We ask for the people's trust in the work ethic and professionalism of the NACC," Mr Worawit said.
Reports on the findings of the investigation would be finalised in early 2018, he said.
Meanwhile, the NACC has disclosed the assets and liabilities declared by former labour minister Gen Sirichai Distakul, Deputy Defence Minister Gen Chaichan Changmongkol, and former army chief Gen Teerachai Nakwanich.
The NACC law dictates that political post holders must declare their assets and liabilities within 30 days of leaving their post and again a year later.
In Gen Sirichai's case, he submitted his wealth record to the NAA after he vacated his seat as labour minister in the previous cabinet reshuffle. The NACC has revealed that Gen Sirichai has 108,750,517 baht between him and his wife. They have no debt.
The couple is shown to be 16,679, 246 baht richer than in their previous declaration made when Gen Sirichai began serving as labour minister.
According to the NACC, the couple have gained more wealth from their investments in immovable assets such as buildings.
The couple also built a new house worth 25 million baht in Kannayao district of Bangkok. Work on its construction began in 2015.
Gen Sirichai also listed 12 watches among his assets, one of which is valued at 1.8 million baht.