It’s that time of year again when wealth publication Forbes publish their national rich lists.
They base their estimations of wealth on shareholding and financial information procured from the individuals themselves, as well as stock exchanges, regulatory agencies and analysts. The list encompasses family fortunes, and the valuations of public and private companies.
The top ten on Forbes’ Thailand Rich List this year are:
- Brothers Chearavanont: the four siblings control agribusiness conglomerate Charoen Pokphand group with a net worth of US$18.5 billion
- Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi: the self-made 72 year old has a controlling stake in Thai Beverage and bought a 59% stake in Big C Thailand this year. Net worth of US$13.7 billion
- Chirathivat Family: the family are behind Central Group, Thailand’s biggest mall developer. Net worth of US$13 billion
- Chalerm Yoovidhya: head of the large family that owns 51% of Red Bull. Net worth of US$9.7 billion
- Vanich Chaiyawan: the 84-year old owns insurance company Thai Life. Net worth of US$4 billion
- Krit Ratanarak: the 70-year old has a minority stake in Bank of Ayudhya and owns Bangkok Broadcasting & TV. Net worth of US$3.3 billion
- Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: the 58-year old owns King Power and 3 Bangkok shopping complexes. Net worth of US$3.25 billion
- Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth: owns Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Thailand’s largest private hospital network, Bangkok Airways and PPTV. Net worth of US$3.2 billion
- Santi Bhirombhakdi: the 69-year old owns Boon Rawd Brewery and Singha Estate. Net worth of US$2.4 billion
- Thaksin Shinawatra: the former prime minister owns a controlling stake in SC Asset and has other investments. Net worth of US$1.6 billion
You can see the full list here.
The top two positionings remain the same as in 2015 although the Brothers Chearavanont’s wealth was originally listed under just Chairman Dhanin.
Although 10th placed Shinawatra is currently in self-imposed exile in Dubai and banned from Thailand politics, he still has a strong business foothold in the country. Asia Nikkei reported last year that the family had interests in at least 25 companies.
The youngest on the list is 36-year old Nishita Shah Federbush, in 42nd position with a US$530 million net worth. She owns Precious Shipping and Mega Lifesciences, founded by her father in 1982.
At the other end of the scale, the oldest person on the rich list is 96-year old Vichai Maleenont, in 27th position with a US$875 million net worth. He owns broadcaster BEC World.
There are four women in the top 50 this year.
Featured image is via 401K Calculator
