Vajiralongkorn Net Worth

What is King Vajiralongkorn’s Net Worth? The Enormous Wealth of Thailand’s Monarch

Introduction: The Reign and the Riches

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, ascended to the throne of Thailand in 2016, following the death of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. While his reign has been marked by tradition and ceremony, it is also defined by the vast wealth he controls. This article explores the details of Vajiralongkorn’s net worth, his assets, his controversial reign, and his complex personal life.

Vajiralongkorn’s Estimated Net Worth: A Deep Dive

Vajiralongkorn’s net worth is a subject of much speculation, but it is widely accepted that he is one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world. Estimates place his fortune at a minimum of $30 billion, with some figures reaching as high as $70 billion. This staggering wealth primarily stems from inherited assets and investments that were transferred to him upon his ascension to the throne. These assets include significant holdings in real estate, commercial ventures, and other investments. Vajiralongkorn’s wealth dwarfs that of many other global leaders and highlights the immense power and privilege associated with the Thai monarchy. In comparison to other royals, Vajiralongkorn’s wealth places him at the very top, exceeding even the richest of European monarchs.

The King of Thailand’s Wealth: Assets and Holdings

The King of Thailand’s wealth is not simply a collection of liquid assets; it is a complex portfolio of investments, land, and properties. The majority of his holdings are managed through the Crown Property Bureau (CPB), an entity that acts as the King’s asset manager. Here’s a breakdown of some of his key assets:

• Real Estate: The CPB owns vast tracts of land, including 3,300 acres in central Bangkok and 13,200 acres of land and property outside the capital. Globally, the CPB controls an estimated 128 million acres of land, making Vajiralongkorn one of the largest private landowners on Earth.
• Commercial Investments: The King holds significant stakes in several major Thai companies.
• Siam Cement: He owns a 32% stake in Siam Cement, a company that is a cornerstone of the Thai economy. This stake alone is estimated to be worth approximately $13 billion.
• Siam Commercial Bank: Vajiralongkorn also has a 23% stake in Siam Commercial Bank, the largest bank in Thailand.
• Other Ventures: The King has investments in other companies, including an insurance company and the Shin Corporation, a conglomerate involved in telecommunications, media, aviation, advertising, and finance.
• Tax Exemption: As the reigning monarch, Vajiralongkorn is exempt from paying taxes in Thailand.

These diverse assets provide a steady stream of income and further solidify the King’s position as a financial powerhouse. The control over such extensive resources gives him considerable influence over Thailand’s economy and society.

Early Life and Education: Shaping the Future Monarch

Born on July 28, 1952, in the Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Vajiralongkorn is the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. His upbringing was steeped in royal tradition and privilege, with his early education beginning at the Chitralada School within the Dusit Palace. Following his primary education, Vajiralongkorn was sent to the United Kingdom to attend independent schools, including Millfield School in Somerset, where he completed his secondary education in 1970. His education continued at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra, Australia, where he graduated in 1976 as a corporal. He later returned to Thailand to earn a law degree from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. This mix of military and academic training provided the future king with a foundation of knowledge and experience that shaped his path to the throne.

Military Career: The King’s Service

Following his academic studies, Vajiralongkorn pursued a career as a military officer in the Royal Thai Army. His military service included training as a pilot, and he became qualified to fly multiple types of aircraft, including the Northrop F-5 and the Boeing 737-400. This experience gave him an understanding of military operations and strategy. The King’s military career has been a significant part of his public persona, reflecting a commitment to service and national defense. His skills as a pilot underscore his technical aptitude and further enrich his diverse background.

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Ascension to the Throne: A New Era Begins

The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2016 marked a significant moment in Thai history, paving the way for Vajiralongkorn to ascend to the throne. While he was the heir apparent, Vajiralongkorn requested time to mourn before beginning his reign, officially accepting the throne in December 2016. His coronation took place in May 2019, and the Thai government retroactively declared his reign to have commenced upon his father’s death. At the age of 64, he was the oldest Thai monarch to ascend to the throne. The transition to the new king was a period of both continuity and change for the Thai monarchy.

King of Thailand: Controversies and Criticisms

As King of Thailand, Vajiralongkorn is protected by the stringent lèse majesté laws, which forbid any criticism of the monarchy under threat of severe punishment. This legal framework has made open discussion about the King and his actions challenging. Vajiralongkorn’s reign has been marked by several controversies. In early 2021, reports surfaced of the King’s alleged assault and maiming of his younger sister, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Furthermore, Vajiralongkorn has gained a reputation for his serial marriages, and his decision to spend much of his time in Bavaria, Germany, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also drawn criticism.

Marriages and Children: A Complex Personal Life

Vajiralongkorn’s personal life is characterized by numerous marriages, divorces, and a complex family dynamic. His marital history includes:

• Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara: His first wife, whom he married in 1977, and with whom he had a daughter, Bajrakitiyabha.
• Yuvadhida Polpraserth: While still married to his first wife, he lived with Yuvadhida, with whom he had five children. They later divorced, and she moved to the United Kingdom with her children.
• Srirasmi Suwadee: His third wife, whom he married in 2001. They had a son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, before divorcing in 2014.
• Suthida Tidjai: His fourth wife, whom he married in 2019.
• Niramon Ounprom: He later married Niramon Ounprom, an army officer, who was granted the title of Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, but they later separated and then remarried.

These marriages and relationships highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding the King’s personal life and have often been subjects of public fascination and debate.

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Conclusion: The Legacy of a Billionaire King

King Vajiralongkorn’s reign is a study in contrasts. He presides over a kingdom of immense wealth and historical significance, yet his actions and decisions have often sparked debate and controversy. His vast fortune, managed through the Crown Property Bureau, provides him with significant economic and political influence. His personal life, marked by numerous marriages and complex family dynamics, adds another layer to the narrative. As he continues to lead Thailand, the legacy of King Vajiralongkorn will undoubtedly be shaped by his handling of the kingdom’s wealth, his relationship with his people, and his navigation of the challenges of the modern world.