Paetongtarn wore an outfit inspired by Lao culture and accessorized with a Chanel bag at the 44th-45th ASEAN Summit last year.
According to a Jan. 3 report by AFP, Shinawatra declared assets totaling 13.8 billion baht (US$400 million), including 217 handbags worth 76 million baht, properties in London and Japan, 75 watches valued at 162 million baht, 39 additional timepieces, investments of 11 billion baht, and one billion baht in deposits and cash.
Frequently lauded for her elegant and sophisticated style, Paetongtarn boasts an extensive array of Chanel bags. Her collection spans from the classic 2.55 models to wallets and backpacks, and includes modern, compact designs in colors ranging from white and gray to black, gold, blue, and pastel pink.
On one occasion, she complemented her outfit with light brown accessories, featuring a Chanel hobo bag and matching high heels. The pricing of her Chanel bags starts at US$5,000, varying according to style and material.
Paetongtarn appreciates both vintage and contemporary bags. Her collection features an Alaia calf leather tote, inspired by lace and moucharabieh architectural patterns and adorned with silver-plated decorations, which is priced at US$1,780.
She accessorized her ensemble with a glittering Bvlgari bag and coordinating high heels at an event last year.
In addition to Chanel, she is a fan of Hermès, known for its high-priced designs. The Thai Prime Minister has several Birkin and Kelly bags in her collection, which underscore her style as a successful businesswoman.
On another occasion, Paetongtarn was seen strolling with her children dressed casually in a T-shirt, silk pants, and carrying a Hermès Kelly Moove bag valued at US$22,500.
She also has a preference for youthful brands like Miu Miu. The Prime Minister once displayed her street style, sporting a beige mesh bag from the Italian fashion house.
Shinawatra carries a limited edition Dior bag featuring vintage-inspired patterns. In addition to this model, she owns several of Dior’s Lady bags, each priced at several thousand dollars.
The Thai Prime Minister has also been seen with Fendi bags and Louis Vuitton suitcases.
At 39, Paetongtarn is the youngest child of Thaksin, a 76-year-old billionaire whose net worth is estimated by Forbes at US$2.1 billion. Thaksin served as Thailand’s Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006 before being ousted in a military coup.
She completed her studies in political science at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and later earned a master’s degree in international hotel management from the University of Surrey, U.K. She formerly led a family-run hotel management company, which she described as her “passion” in a March 2022 interview reported by The New York Times.
Thailand’s Parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country’s Prime Minister in August of last year, making her the third member of her family to hold this office, following her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck, as Time magazine reported. At the time of her election at 37, she became the youngest and the second woman to assume this role, following Yingluck.
Paetongtarn married Pidok Sooksawas, a commercial pilot, in 2019. The couple has two children, born in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
