PM's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaiboon said yesterday that wedding gifts were the reason he found himself Bt12.9 million richer in the period between the 2007 general election and his appointment as a Cabinet member in June.
"I am richer by more than Bt10 million because of wedding presents given in cash by guests and relatives who wanted me to have seed money to start a family at the age of 50," he said.
Ong-art said that wedding presents of cash were customary and not unusual because about 5,000 to 6,000 guests attended three ceremonies - engagement, his wedding and a wedding celebration party.
He said 15,000 shares worth Bt15 million in Phetprakai, a publishing house, were financed from money received at his wedding as well as savings with his wife.
He said he always had a personal interest in publishing since he was a reporter. The company had been placed under the care of an asset management fund in order to avoid a conflict of interest.
The question about Ong-art's wealth came to light after Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission to look into the matter.