Srettha Thavisin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Srettha Thavisin
MPCh MVM
|
|
|---|---|
|
เศรษฐา ทวีสิน
|
|
.jpg)
Srettha in 2023
|
|
| 30th Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 22 August 2023 – 14 August 2024 |
|
| Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
| Deputy |
See list
Phumtham Wechayachai
Somsak Thepsuthin Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara Anutin Charnvirakul Patcharawat Wongsuwon Pirapan Salirathavibhaga Suriya Juangroongruangkit Pichai Chunhavajira |
| Preceded by | Prayut Chan-o-cha |
| Succeeded by | Phumtham Wechayachai (acting) |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1 September 2023 – 27 April 2024 |
|
| Prime Minister | Himself |
| Preceded by | Arkhom Termpittayapaisith |
| Succeeded by | Pichai Chunhavajira |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 February 1962 Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Pheu Thai (since 2022) |
| Spouse |
Pakpilai Paladraksa
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 3 |
| Residences | Government House Phitsanulok Mansion |
| Education |
|
| Occupation |
|
| Signature |  |
| Nickname | Nid (นิด) |
Srettha Thavisin MPCh MVM (Thai: เศรษฐา ทวีสิน, RTGS: Settha Thawisin born 15 February 1962), nicknamed Nid (Thai: นิด, RTGS: Nit), is a Thai businessman and politician who served as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2023 to 2024, until his dismissal from the position by the Constitutional Court on 14 August 2024. He was previously the chief executive and president of Sansiri.
Srettha, originally from Bangkok, pursued a degree in civil engineering after high school. He furthered his education in the United States, where he obtained a master's degree in business administration. Following his academic pursuits, he embarked on a professional journey starting with a four-year tenure as an assistant product manager. In 1998, he co-founded Sansiri, a venture that propelled him to become a billionaire and a leading real estate tycoon within his country. Under his leadership, Sansiri experienced growth, even during challenging periods such as the pandemic. This growth phase of his business career came to a close when he decided to transition into politics, a move that involved transferring all his shares in the company. This decision marked a significant shift from his business endeavours to a focus on political engagement.
Prior to the 2014 coup, Srettha had connections with two Thai Prime Ministers from the Shinawatra family. In late 2022, he announced his intention to join the Pheu Thai Party and was subsequently considered one of its prime ministerial candidates. He played a pivotal role in leading the party to form a coalition government, following an unsuccessful attempt by the Move Forward Party. Consequently, the parliament elected him as the prime minister. Notably, his coalition government included two parties that were linked to the coup in 2014.
Srettha's tenure as Prime Minister encompasses a range of domestic and international initiatives. On the domestic front, his administration has prioritised agricultural productivity, stimulating economic recovery, developing infrastructure, revitalising tourism, education reforms, and implementing a digital wallet scheme that has sparked debate. Additionally, the government has actively engaged in the electric vehicle sector and gun control measures. In the realm of international relations, Srettha's approach has been proactive in attracting foreign investments. This includes exploratory discussions with prominent business figures like Elon Musk regarding Tesla's potential involvement in Thailand's electric vehicle industry. His foreign policy strategy also involves navigating Thailand's stance in global conflicts and actively participating in international platforms such as the United Nations Human Rights Council. Under his leadership, Thailand has demonstrated a dedication to sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges. He was also criticized by media and the opposition as a "puppet prime minister", under the control of the power behind the throne such as Thaksin Shinawatra, the military, and the Pheu Thai Party itself.
Contents
Early life and education
Srettha Thavisin, born on 15 February 1962, in Bangkok, Thailand, is the only child of Captain Amnuay Thavisin and Chodchoi Jutrakul. His family's lineage connects to five notable Thai Chinese business dynasties: Yip in Tsoi, Chakkapak, Jutrakul, Lamsam, and Buranasiri. Srettha's educational journey began at the Prasarnmit Demonstration School of Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok. Pursuing higher education, he first obtained a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Chulalongkorn University, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He further advanced his academic credentials by earning a Master of Business Administration, specialising in Finance, from Claremont Graduate University.
Business career
Srettha began his professional journey at Procter & Gamble as an assistant product manager, a role he held for four years after graduating from Claremont Graduate University in 1986. His entrepreneurial venture took off in 1988 when he co-founded Sansiri, which emerged as one of Thailand's premier real estate developers. His leadership steered the company to successfully develop over 400 residential projects.
The year 2013 marked a notable event in Thailand's economic development with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inaugurating the Thailand 2020: Thailand’s New Step to the World Expo at the Chaeng Watthana government complex on 12 March. The expo showcased the government's proposed investments totalling 2 trillion baht. Srettha, having inspected a nearby residential project, visited the expo and recommended his Sansiri colleagues to do the same, recognising its potential influence on the real estate sector. Despite public concerns about the project's financing and potential debt implications, Srettha expressed his support. In early 2019, he wrote favourably about the 2020 Expo, which paralleled his advocacy for a digital wallet scheme during his tenure as prime minister.
Srettha's leadership at Sansiri contributed to the company's growth even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, notable developments included his acquisition of a land parcel at the corner of Sarasin road near Lumphini Park in Bangkok. This purchase, costing ฿3.9 million per square wah (approximately 4m²), stands as one of the most expensive land purchases in Thai history. Additionally, in the same year, Srettha acquired a 15% stake in XSpring Capital Public Company Limited.
Due to regulations in Thai electoral laws prohibiting elected officials from owning or holding shares in companies, Srettha transferred all his shares to his daughter, Chanada Thavisin, on 8 March 2023. This transfer included his shares in Sansiri, representing 4.4% of the company.
Political career
Srettha maintained political connections with Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra, who have both served as prime ministers. In the 2023 Thai general election, he was amongst the prime ministerial candidates for the Pheu Thai Party. The other candidates from the party included Thaksin's youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former justice minister.
The 2013–2014 Thai political crisis was a period of significant political unrest in Thailand. During this time, Srettha expressed opposition to the People's Democratic Reform Committee. Following the 2014 coup, he complied with a summons from the National Council for Peace and Order, reporting to the Royal Thai Army auditorium.
2023 election
In November 2022, Srettha announced his intention to join the Pheu Thai Party. During the 2023 Thai general elections, he was named one of the party's three prime ministerial candidates on 5 April 2023. Throughout the campaign, polls frequently showed him trailing behind Paetongtarn in the race for the preferred prime ministerial choice. Srettha launched his campaign in Bangkok's Khlong Toei district and delivered his inaugural campaign speech in Phichit province. Later, during a speech in Loei province in mid-April, he stated that Pheu Thai would not consider forming a coalition with Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, citing their roles in the 2014 coup.
Following the election on 14 May, Pheu Thai emerged as the party with the second-highest number of seats, trailing behind the Move Forward Party. The party then formed a coalition with Move Forward and six other parties. However, in the first round of parliamentary voting on 13 July, Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure enough votes. Subsequently, Pita's second nomination for prime minister was blocked on 19 July on procedural grounds.
After Move Forward failed to form a government, it gave way for Pheu Thai to attempt to form one. This coalition initially only excluded the Move Forward Party, but expanded on 7 August to include the Bhumjaithai Party. In a notable shift from their earlier election stance, the coalition further expanded to incorporate the Palang Pracharath Party and United Thai Nation Party. Srettha described this expansion, which contradicted earlier election promises, as a necessary strategic move.
Subsequently, the Constitutional Court dismissed a petition by the ombudsman questioning the constitutionality of Parliament's rejection of Pita Limjaroenrat. A new round of parliamentary voting was scheduled for 22 August. During this session, Srettha delivered a speech to Parliament, outlining his vision and goals should he become prime minister, and also responded to questions from MPs and senators. His candidacy received support from Thaksin Shinawatra.
Srettha was elected as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand, following a nomination by the Pheu Thai Party. In a special joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, he secured 482 votes out of 728.
Prime Minister of Thailand (2023–2024)
|
Premiership of Srettha Thavisin
|
|
|---|---|
| 22 August 2023 – 14 August 2024 | |
| Vajiralongkorn | |
| Premier | Srettha Thavisin |
| Cabinet | Srettha cabinet |
| Party | Pheu Thai |
| Election | 2023 |
| Appointer | Monarch of Thailand |
| Nominator | National Assembly |
| Seat | Government House |
|
← Prayut Chan-o-cha •
|
|
Government formation
Srettha was elected as Thailand's next prime minister by a joint sitting of parliament on 22 August 2023. His immediate responsibilities included the formation of a cabinet and the presentation of his policies for the forthcoming four years to parliament. The following day, King Vajiralongkorn officially appointed Srettha as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand. After the appointment, Srettha delivered his inaugural address as prime minister.
On 5 September, Srettha was sworn in as prime minister and minister of finance by the King. The ceremony took place at the Amphon Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace, Bangkok. The new cabinet formed by Srettha is composed of 34 ministers representing six parties within the governing coalition. This includes several ministers who had served under the previous administration of Prayut Chan-o-cha. Srettha stepped down as finance minister in April 2024 during a cabinet reshuffle. He was succeeded by his advisor and former energy executive, Pichai Chunhavajira.
Domestic affairs
On 8 September, Srettha undertook visits to the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. These provinces are known strongholds of support for the Pheu Thai Party. Accompanied by several ministers, his visit mirrored the approach previously taken by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. During his tour, Srettha engaged in discussions with local residents to address regional issues.
In Khon Kaen, his visit included the Ubol Ratana Dam, a site experiencing drought conditions. Srettha communicated to the media that agriculture was a key priority for his government, emphasising plans to enhance agricultural productivity in the region, with a specific goal of increasing farmers' yields by 50%. In Nong Khai, his discussions centred on shipping relations between Thailand and China.
Economy
On 11 September, Srettha presented the cabinet's policy statement to Parliament. The statement outlined the government's strategies to address national issues, focusing on the economic sector. Despite high expectations from various economic, labour, and business groups, the statement faced critical analysis from opposition parties and media outlets. Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader and chief economist of the Move Forward Party, criticised the policy for its perceived lack of specificity and actionable goals. Sirikanya remarked on the absence of clear indicators and timeframes, comparing it to an earlier draft version that was leaked, and expressing concern over its potential effectiveness in guiding the country's economic direction.
In 2023, Thailand's economy was in a phase of gradual recovery, but it didn't meet anticipated targets. Srettha described the economy as being in a "crisis." He highlighted that the highest interest rates in a decade were detrimental to businesses and advocated for the Bank of Thailand to reduce these rates.
Contrastingly, the Governor of the Bank of Thailand held a different view. He disagreed with the characterisation of the economic state as a crisis. Furthermore, he expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the government's short-term stimulus measures. He argued that these measures would not address the underlying economic challenges, emphasising that structural issues were the main impediments to growth.
Srettha advocated for a 25-basis point interest rate cut from the BoT's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). However, the MPC, in a 5-2 decision, maintained the one-day repurchase rate at 2.50%, the highest in over a decade. The central bank attributed the decision to slower-than-expected economic growth, emphasising reliance on domestic demand. Structural impediments, particularly declining competitiveness, were identified as factors hampering growth. The BoT acknowledged lower-than-forecast headline inflation, mainly concentrated in sectors like food and energy, while assuring it wasn't indicative of low demand. Despite Srettha's disagreement, he advocated for collaborative fiscal and monetary policies, emphasising his lack of authority to interfere with the central bank's decisions. BoT senior officers expressed readiness to cut rates if a significant decline in consumption occurs.
Infrastructure
The government has shown renewed interest in enhancing transportation through the Strait of Malacca via the Kra Isthmus. The concept of constructing a canal in what is now known as Thailand can be traced back to 1677. It was during this time that King Narai the Great proposed the idea of creating a maritime silk road. The administration's plan involves the development of a land bridge, which includes constructing deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, linked by rail and road networks. The project, with an estimated cost of ฿1 trillion, forms part of the Southern Economic Corridor. It is designed to be completed in two phases, with the first phase expected to conclude around 2030 and the second by 2039. Upon completion, the project aims to facilitate the handling of up to 20 million cargo containers annually.
This infrastructure project received cabinet approval on 16 October. During his subsequent visits to the United States for the APEC summit and the 2023 Belt and Road Forum, Prime Minister Srettha sought investment from both American and Chinese entities to support the development.
The land bridge project elicited significant concerns and criticism from the local population. Srettha acknowledged that the government's communication with international investors about the project's economic potential could have been more effective. He also noted that the government had not succeeded in gaining the trust of the Thai people regarding this ambitious project, highlighting a disconnect between the project's intentions and public perception.
Tourism
Srettha has been actively working on revitalising Thailand's tourism sector. On 25 September, tourists from China and Kazakhstan were exempt from tourist visas, aligning this policy change with the Golden Week and Chinese New Year holidays. Together with the Chinese ambassador, Han Zhiqiang, Srettha welcomed the first flight from Shanghai to Suvarnabhumi Airport since the implementation of this exemption. This visa exemption policy is planned to remain in effect until 29 February 2024 for Kazakhs. For Chinese tourists the visa exemption will be extended, as both Thailand and China have signed a visa exemption agreement which will take effect on 4 March 2024.
On 17 October, the cabinet approved an extension of the visa-free stay for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days. This decision was timed with the onset of the Russian winter season and coincided with the peak tourism period in Thailand. Russia ranks as the fifth highest in terms of visitor numbers to Thailand, and the highest from Europe. The extended visa policy for Russians is set to begin in November and last until April 2024. This extension was announced in conjunction with a meeting between Srettha and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Further extending Thailand's visa exemption policy, Indian and Taiwanese travellers were also granted visa-free entry from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024. India is the fourth largest source of tourists to Thailand.
As a culmination of these visa exemptions and the gradual opening of borders post-pandemic, flight arrivals for the high season had recovered to more than 80% of the levels seen in 2019.
On 16 February at the iBusiness Forum in Bangkok, Srettha was informed by the Anschutz Entertainment Group that the reason Taylor Swift wasn't going to perform in Thailand was because of a deal with Singapore where she wouldn't do any Eras Tour concert in ASEAN except in Singapore. In response, he has pledged to support making Thailand a regional hub for concerts.
Strengthening the Thai passport
Srettha has prioritised strengthening the Thai passport, ranked 52nd most powerful by The Passport Index in 2024. In discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Switzerland, he explored the potential for easier entry to Europe for Thai passport holders. During German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's January 2024 visit to Thailand, Srettha appealed for support in securing visa exemptions for Thai passport holders from Schengen area member states. Additionally, Thailand aims to extend the current 30-day visa exemptions for Schengen nations. On 14 February, Australian Governor-General David Hurley agreed to consider the possibility of a mutual visa exemption scheme between Thailand and Australia during his visit.
To gain leverage in negotiation, Thailand is planning to collaborate with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia to hold talks with the European Union (EU).
Digital wallet scheme
In the lead-up to the 2023 election, the Pheu Thai party campaigned for a digital wallet initiative. This plan, aimed at Thai citizens over 16 years of age, involved distributing a government-funded handout of ฿10,000 per individual. The stipulation was that the funds must be spent within a 4 km radius of the recipient's address and within six months. To encompass the 54.8 million eligible citizens, the proposal would require an allocation of ฿560 billion from the government. Srettha, following his election, has maintained support for this policy and acknowledged its controversy. Pheu Thai has described the initiative as vital for jumpstarting the Thai economy, with a commitment from Srettha's government to consider public feedback on the policy.
Concerns have been raised by various economic experts, including those from the Bank of Thailand. These criticisms focus on the potential long-term consequences for Thailand's economic future. Korn Chatikavanij, a former Finance Minister under Abhisit Vejjajiva's administration during the Great Recession, has also expressed scepticism about the plan, particularly noting its lack of specific details.
An ad-hoc committee has been established to flesh out the scheme. During a visit to Phitsanulok province on 15 October 2023, Srettha announced the intention to start implementing this scheme in February 2024. However, the launch of the digital wallet scheme was postponed to May 2024. Since September, Srettha had been advocating for a reduction in electricity and fuel costs within his cabinet.
In terms of public reception, a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicated mixed responses. As of October 2023, the survey showed that the efforts of the Prime Minister's cabinet had "somewhat satisfied" 55% of respondents, while 40% expressed dissatisfaction.
On 10 November 2023, Srettha announced plans to borrow ฿500 billion to support the digital wallet scheme. This decision marked a significant shift from the government's initial strategy, which involved funding the program through the annual budget or loans from the Government Savings Bank. The announcement was met with widespread criticism, highlighting a departure from previously stated financial approaches.
In January 2024, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat indicated that the implementation of the scheme might be postponed beyond May. Despite ongoing scepticism about the program, Srettha maintained that the government had sufficient data to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and value. Srettha had expressed his intention to expedite discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
Electric vehicle industry
On 21 September 2023, Srettha engaged in discussions with Elon Musk about potential Tesla investments in the Thai electric vehicle industry. This meeting was part of Srettha's broader strategy to attract larger investments from companies like Tesla to bolster Thailand's electric vehicle sector. Srettha plans to continue these discussions in November. Additionally, following a visit to Malaysia on 11 October, Srettha indicated that Proton along with its Chinese partner Geely, were considering the establishment of electric vehicle plants in Thailand. Additionally, Thailand was collaborating with Toyota to jointly develop the domestic electric vehicle industry.
Since the beginning of the Srettha government, the electric vehicle market in Thailand has experienced significant growth. This progress led to the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) setting up its regional automaking hub in Thailand. Additionally, in January 2024, Thailand identified two major lithium deposits in Phang Nga with a high concentration of lithium. Experts from Chulalongkorn University have assessed that the average lithium content in these deposits, approximately 0.4%, is higher than similar deposits found globally. Nevertheless, there has been some debate among scientists and government officials regarding the potential impact of this discovery, particularly due to variations between the types of mineral resources present, including lepidolite, a lithium-containing mineral, and the actual lithium content in these deposits.
Military
On 30 October 2023, the Minister of Defence, Sutin Klungsang, announced plans to lift the emergency decree in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. This decree, in place since 2005, was originally implemented due to a separatist insurgency in these regions.
Regarding Thailand's military procurement, there have been ongoing discussions since 2017 under the administration of Prayut Chan-o-cha to purchase a Yuan-class submarine from China. However, complications arose when Germany was unable to export the engines intended for use in these submarines, forcing Thailand to consider alternative options. As a result, the focus shifted to acquiring a frigate. Sutin clarified that the submarine deal has not been cancelled but is currently on hold.
Srettha once answered a question from the press regarding the military reformation policy of the Pheu Thai party, saying that he did not want to call it "reform" but a "joint development" between the civilian leadership and the military.
Following the sinking of the Thai corvette HTMS Sukhothai on 18 December 2022, the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (JUSMAGTHAI) reached out to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to express its concerns. However, there was no response from Thailand to this communication. On December 1 of the same year, JUSMAGTHAI sent a second letter in response to reports that a Thai contractor, who was collaborating with China, had been chosen to salvage the vessel. Despite the bid from the winning company still awaiting approval, RTN Chief Admiral Adung Phan-iam expressed concerns about potential delays beyond April if the U.S. became involved. In response to two warnings from the U.S., and to comply with their agreement, the RTN cancelled the tender that was to be awarded to a firm using equipment from China.
The salvage operation for the corvette was scheduled to take place during the Cobra Gold 2024 event, which was held from 27 February to 10 March 2024. This operation was planned as a joint limited recovery mission with the aim of honouring the missing sailors and providing closure to their families and friends. The mission's scope included collecting underwater evidence for further investigation, permanently disabling US armaments installed on the ship, and salvaging certain equipment and armaments. Leaving the wreck in place as a memorial was proposed as a cost-saving measure. The mission was led by Thailand, with support from the United States.
Environment
The government before Srettha faced challenges in addressing PM 2.5 air pollution and in supporting resource-based communities. The environmental policies of Srettha's government were categorised under mid to long-term plans in their policy presentation to Parliament.
On 6 October 2023, Srettha attended the ESG (Environmental-Social-Governance) Symposium 2023: Accelerating Changes towards a Low Carbon Society at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Here, he shared his vision for a sustainable economy, emphasising grassroots participation, human rights, equality, and climate change initiatives.
Srettha also participated in the Sustainability Forum 2024 in Bangkok, where he discussed Thailand's role in sustainable development globally. He expressed a commitment to reducing electricity costs and highlighted the importance of household solar initiatives.
On 29 November 2023, he led a meeting in Chiang Mai focusing on the region's environmental issues, including forest fires, smog, and PM 2.5 pollution. Later, on 11 January 2024, during another visit to Chiang Mai, he endorsed the Clean Air bill. He noted an improvement in the air quality in Chiang Mai compared to the previous year.
However, the Chiang Mai Administrative Court ruled against the Prime Minister and the National Environment Board. The court's decision centred on their failure to adequately address the PM 2.5 haze issue in the North the previous year. Srettha would convene a meeting of government officials to comply with the court order.
Education
Thailand's education system has been declining over the past 10–20 years. Since the country first participated in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2001, Thailand scored lowest in its history in its recent assessment. According to Asst Prof Athapol Anunthavorasakul of Chulalongkorn University, the Education Ministry's failure to address the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lower scores. Additionally, Thailand was among countries whose PISA was already deteriorating even before the pandemic. To tackle Thailand's declining educational performance, a concern Srettha had pledged to reform, he committed to resolving these educational challenges.
Before becoming prime minister, Srettha was an advocate for reducing educational inequality. He aimed to nurture knowledgeable and morally responsible young individuals who understand the importance of collaboration in building a better society and nation. His administration has also been dedicated to creating Thailand's first comprehensive database on school dropouts. Srettha has expressed a commitment to eliminating barriers to education for Thai children, setting a goal to reduce the number of children without educational opportunities to zero. Additionally, he emphasized the need to develop the skills of young people and highlighted the significance of investing in education as a means to enhance quality of life and civic responsibilities.
Political positions
Social issues
Srettha has been known for his support of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed from office in 2006. This support was notably demonstrated in 2010 when Srettha wore a red shirt featuring Thaksin's face, coinciding with his appointment as the head of the Royal Bangkok Polo club's football team. Srettha's political stance has also been evident in his criticism of then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. Additionally, he has shown support for the pro-democracy protests that occurred from 2020 to 2021, calling on UNICEF to urge the government to avoid violence against protesters. During his 2023 election campaign, Srettha publicly stated his reluctance to form a coalition government with United Thai Nation and Palang Pracharat. However, upon his swearing-in as prime minister, the coalition cabinet included members from these parties.
In terms of social issues, Srettha is identified as a liberal. He has expressed opposition to conscription and has been an advocate for environmental sustainability and LGBTQ rights.
Economics
In a 2023 interview with FAROSE, Srettha clarified his positions on economic issues. He stated that he believes in "capitalism with empathy". As an ex-CEO and businessman who recently entered politics, he believes that capitalism and empathy for the poor can go hand in hand. He stated that "The various problems that come with economic disparity and social inequality should be discussed with empathy and understanding." With Pheu Thai, he has pledged to stimulate the economy and combat poverty through raising the minimum wage and implementing a ฿10,000 'digital wallet' scheme.
Personal life
He is married to Pakpilai Thavisin, a businesswoman. They have two sons, Napat Thavisin and Warat Thavisin, and one daughter, Chananda Thavisin. He is a collector of classic travel trunks, such as those made by Louis Vuitton. Srettha also is a supporter of Liverpool F.C., and also contributes to Sansiri Academy which trains football players in Thailand.
Srettha stands 1.92 metres (6 ft 4 in) tall, making him the tallest leader within ASEAN and the third tallest in the world behind the prime minister of Albania, Edi Rama who stands at 2.01 metres (6 ft 7 in) and the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, who stands at 1.98 metres (6 ft 6 in).
Srettha frequently uses social media, especially on X where he actively uses his account to post updates.
On 28 December 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that he had a wealth valued around ฿659 million, and that he owns a 1963 Aston Martin DB5 worth ฿50 million. His yearly earnings was around ฿153 million.
Honours
Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (2024)
Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand (2024)
_ribbon.svg){kind=small}
_ribbon.svg){kind=small}
See also
In Spanish: Srettha Thavisin para niños In Spanish: Srettha Thavisin para niños
