Who is Thailand’s richest person (it’s always a man)?
There’s been a change around in the top spots for Thailand’s richest person. Of course, the top three are all men but the places have shifted a bit since 2011.
In 2012, Thailand’s richest person is now Dhanin Chearavanont, the 72-year-old chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), who is worth around $7 billion. He’s also the 133rd richest person in the world, according to Forbes magazine’s annual list of the world’s richest billionaires. Khun Dhanin is not of Thai descent but is Chinese and he and his family seem to spend much of their time in Hong Kong and China these days, particularly as about half of their profits now come from China.
CP Group, of course, are the producers of hundreds of food stuffs sold in stores all over Thailand and, personally, are one of my favorite Thai companies (their food is just so darn cheap and delicious). They’re also the owners of the 7-11 chain in Thailand, another of my must-shop-there-every-day places. So, no, I’m not surprised Khun Dhanin is Thailand’s richest person.
Thailand’s second richest person
In second place on the list of Thailand’s richest people, TCC Holding chairman Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, with $5.5 billion. He of course is the head of the company that, among other things, owns Chang Beer (the best beer in Thailand, I think), Oishi Group (awesome Japanese products) and Berli Jucker. Mr Charoen’s world-wide ranking also went up from 247th to 184th place. He’s had a very good year.
Red Bull creates Thailand’s third richest person
Finally, in third place, Chaleo Yoovidhya, the man who founded the Red Bull company (and someone who gets a portion of my income every month, as I love Red Bull in Thailand). He is now 205th on the list of the world’s richest billionaires, with $5 billion. He’s also gone up three places on the list since last year.
