New Delhi: We have shared profiles of some of the richest people in India and the world. In the same vein, this time our focus is on the world as we share with you the profile of the world’s richest king.
He is Maha Vajiralongkorn, the king of Thailand, often referred to as King Rama X. He oozes ultra-luxury, enormous wealth, affluence, and panache.
Maha Vajiralongkorn is broadly acknowledged as one of the richest individuals in the world. His empire is built on an impressive collection of possessions such as exotic jewellery, pearls, gems, silver, and gold to vast real estate holdings.
He also has stakes in major businesses. The total net worth of the Thai royal family is over $40 billion (approximately Rs 3.2 lakh crore), according to Financial Times. As per reports, he is the richest monarch in the world.
His wealth can be attributed to the vast wealth and resources that have been accumulated by the Thai royal family over centuries. His massive wealth mainly comes from his investments in real estate in the country as well as ownership of the largest cement company and bank of Thailand, as per reports.
The King’s landholdings span an extraordinary 16,210 acres across Thailand, including 17,000 properties in Bangkok alone. His business interests include a 23% stake in Siam Commercial Bank, Thailand’s second-largest financial institution, and a 33.3% share in Siam Cement Group, the country’s largest industrial conglomerate.
Adding to his reputation for extravagance, King Vajiralongkorn owns the Golden Jubilee diamond, a 545.67-carat gem considered the largest and most valuable diamond in the world, with an estimated worth of Rs 98 crore. This iconic jewel is just one part of his extensive treasure trove.
The monarch’s penchant for luxury extends to his impressive fleet of vehicles and aircraft. His personal air force includes 38 planes, featuring Boeing and Airbus models as well as Sukhoi Superjets, and 21 helicopters, costing Rs 524 crore annually in maintenance.
His collection of over 300 high-end cars includes Limousines and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. He also commands a flotilla of 52 gilded boats, adorned with intricate gold carvings.
Despite owning a palace sprawling over 2.35 million square feet, King Maha Vajiralongkorn reportedly does not reside there. He has spent much of his adult life abroad and has a home in Germany and has married four times and is a father of four.
King Vajiralongkorn married Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana in May 2019, a few days before his coronation, and the palace announced that she was to become Queen Suthida and will hold royal title and status as part of the royal family.
His vast wealth and possessions set him apart, though he still trails behind Indian billionaires like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani in terms of net worth.
