The anti-graft body says it will step up scrutiny of charms or amulets declared as assets by politicians and officials after some MPs reported shockingly high values for them.
Katathep Techaruangsakul, the MP of Palang Thai Rak Thai, one of the nine single-member microparties, reported that he owned lek lai, or iron charms, believed to bring good luck, worth 1 billion baht.
Mr Katathep reported assets worth 1.1 billion baht and liabilities of 800,000 baht. Most of his assets were "other items" while only 2.3 million baht was reported as deposits and 8.2 million baht was buildings.
A large portion of his assets by value were two pieces of lek lai worth 700 million and 300 million baht, a piece of meteorite valued at 10 million baht and three amulets worth 10-15 million baht each.
A screenshot of a piece of "lek lai" owned by Mr Katathep. (Screenshot from Amarin TV news clip)
Mongkolkit Suksintaranont, the MP and leader of Thai Civilized, another microparty, also reported assets worth 192 million baht, 147 million of which consisted of amulets and other items.
He had 12 amulets, three of which are worth 50 million, 40 million and 30 million baht each.
Voravit Sukboon, secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), said on Saturday that such holdings would be closely watched.
He explained the NACC's examination involved two parts — authenticity and existence.
"We checked whether the assets were properly acquired and really existed and are consistent with attached photos," he said.
He admitted it was difficult to value amulets and charms because there are no benchmark prices.
"This is a new chapter for us and we would think of measures to prevent money laundering," he added.
A screenshot of a piece of meteorite owned by Mr Katathep. (Screenshot from Amarin TV news clip)