Maha Vajiralongkorn Net Worth
Net Worth: $30 Billion
Category: Richest Politicians › Royals
Birthdate: July 28, 1952 (72 years old)
Birthplace: Dusit Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Profession: King of Thailand
Overview
Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand, is the richest monarch in the world, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion, potentially reaching $70 billion. His wealth is derived from an extensive real estate portfolio, investments, and his position as the beneficiary of the Crown Property Bureau, which controls vast amounts of land and financial assets in Thailand and globally. Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in 2016 following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and is the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty.
Wealth and Assets
- Real Estate and Landholdings:
- Owns 3,300 acres of prime real estate in central Bangkok and 13,200 acres of country land.
- Manages 128 million acres worldwide through the Crown Property Bureau, making him one of the largest landowners globally.
- Oversees 36,000 rental properties across Thailand.
- Corporate Investments:
- 32% stake in Siam Cement (valued at $13 billion).
- 23% stake in Siam Commercial Bank, Thailand’s largest bank.
- Investments in insurance, telecommunications, and aviation companies under the Shin Corporation.
- Tax-Free Wealth:
- Vajiralongkorn’s wealth is tax-exempt under Thai law, further consolidating his financial dominance.
Early Life and Education
Born in Bangkok’s Dusit Palace, Vajiralongkorn is the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. His education included:
- Chitralada School, Thailand.
- Millfield School, Somerset, England.
- Royal Military College, Duntroon, Canberra, Australia (graduated in 1976 as a corporal).
- Law degree from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand.
Military Career
- Career officer in the Royal Thai Army.
- Qualified as a military pilot, skilled in operating various aircraft, including fighter jets and commercial planes.
Reign as King
Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne after his father’s passing in October 2016 but delayed his coronation until May 2019 to mourn. At 64 years old, he became Thailand’s oldest monarch to take the throne.
- Governance: Vajiralongkorn’s rule is safeguarded by strict lèse majesté laws, making criticism of the monarchy punishable by law.
- Controversies: Known for his erratic behavior and ruling remotely from Bavaria, Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic, while protests against the monarchy gained momentum in Thailand.
Marriages and Children
Vajiralongkorn has been married multiple times, with each union marked by public and private controversies:
- Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara (1977–1993):
- One daughter: Bajrakitiyabha.
- Yuvadhida Polpraserth (1993–1996):
- Five children: Juthavachara, Vacharaesorn, Chakriwat, Vatchrawee Vivacharawongse, and Sirivannavari Nariratana.
- Marriage ended after accusations of adultery; Yuvadhida moved to the UK and later the US.
- Srirasmi Suwadee (2001–2014):
- One son: Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.
- Divorced amid scandal involving her family.
- Suthida Tidjai (2019–Present):
- Current Queen of Thailand.
- Niramon Ounprom (Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi):
- Granted the title of Royal Noble Consort.
- Briefly stripped of her title before being reinstated in 2020.
Legacy
Vajiralongkorn’s reign is marked by his immense wealth, controversial personal life, and rigid enforcement of royal power. Despite public discontent, his position as Thailand’s monarch remains integral to the nation’s identity.
