BANGKOK, May 9 (TNA) — The Chearavanont is the richest family in Thailand, followed by the Chirathivat family, according to the Forbes magazine.
Forbes announced the list of 50 richest people in Thailand and stated that political uncertainty, baht depreciation and a 7% decline of the Stock Exchange of Thailand index over the past year caused the combined wealth of Thai billionaires to slightly fall from US$162 billion last year to US$160.5 billion this year.
The Chearavanont family that owns the Charoen Pokphand Group has US$29.5 billion or 941 billion baht, down from US$30 billion. The second position belongs to the Chirathivat family of the Central Group that has US$21 billion or 670 billion baht, down from US$21.2 billion.
Chalerm Yoovidhya, manufacturer of Red Bull products, remains at the 3rd position with US19.9 billion or 635 billion baht, down from US$21 billion. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi from the Thai Beverage Plc has US$16.2 billion or 517 billion baht, down from US$17.4 billion.
Forbes said one-third of its rich listees were richer. The top gainer is energy tycoon Sarath Ratanavadi whose wealth soared by US$1.8 billion to US$5.2 billion or 166 billion baht. He was ranked 5th for the first time this year. (TNA)
