King Maha Vajiralongkorn: The Wealthiest King in the World

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the reigning monarch of Thailand, is not only the head of state but also the wealthiest king globally. With an estimated net worth of $43 billion, his immense fortune comes from vast real estate holdings and strategic investments in Thailand’s leading industries. This wealth and his intriguing personal life have made him a prominent figure on the world stage.

A Vast Fortune Built on Real Estate and Strategic Investments

The cornerstone of King Vajiralongkorn’s wealth lies in the Crown Property Bureau (CPB), an entity managing extensive royal assets. The CPB oversees more than 6,560 hectares (16,210 acres) of prime land across Thailand, along with 40,000 rental contracts, 17,000 of which are situated in Bangkok. This makes the Thai monarchy one of the largest landowners in the nation.

In addition to real estate, the bureau’s diversified portfolio includes stakes in Thailand’s largest cement company and the country’s leading bank. These investments ensure a steady stream of income, reinforcing the financial stability of the royal family.

Read : 73 Corpses and 600 Crocodiles Found at Thiphaksong Pa Sangnayatham Temple of Thailand

According to estimates from Fox Business, the king’s wealth ranges between $30 billion and $45 billion, solidifying his position as the wealthiest monarch in the world.

Read : Neuschwanstein Castle: The Fairytale Wonder of Bavaria

The financial legacy of the Thai royal family has deep roots. King Vajiralongkorn’s late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, topped Forbes’ list of the richest rulers in 2011. King Vajiralongkorn inherited this vast fortune and has expanded it through careful management of the CPB’s assets and strategic investments in key sectors of Thailand’s economy.

Royal Legacy and the Life of King Maha Vajiralongkorn

Born in 1952, King Vajiralongkorn is the only son among four children of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. His early education in Thailand was followed by studies at elite schools in the United Kingdom and Australia, which laid the foundation for his disciplined and cosmopolitan outlook.

His military training is a key aspect of his official biography. Vajiralongkorn attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Australia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in military studies from the University of New South Wales. He also trained as a helicopter and fighter pilot, earning qualifications that complemented his role as a career officer in the Royal Thai Army.

During the 1970s, King Vajiralongkorn gained experience combating communist insurgents in Thailand, a testament to his active participation in safeguarding national security. These formative years in military service shaped his leadership style and strengthened his connection with Thailand’s armed forces, a crucial pillar of his reign.

Despite his achievements, King Vajiralongkorn has faced public scrutiny due to his extended stays abroad, particularly in Germany, where he maintains a private residence. His lifestyle and governance style have sparked debates within and outside Thailand, but his role as the custodian of the Thai monarchy’s legacy remains unshaken.

Personal Life: Four Marriages and a Controversial Love Life

King Vajiralongkorn’s personal life has often made headlines, marked by high-profile marriages and relationships. His first marriage in 1977 was to his cousin, Princess Soamsawali, with whom he had a daughter, Princess Bajarakitiyabha. However, the union was overshadowed by his romantic involvement with actress Yuvadhida.

In 1994, Vajiralongkorn married Yuvadhida, and the couple had five children. However, their relationship ended tumultuously in 1996 when he publicly denounced her and disowned their four sons studying in the United Kingdom. This episode marked one of the many controversies surrounding his personal life.

In 2001, King Vajiralongkorn married Srirasmi Suwadee, a lady-in-waiting, and they had a son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, in 2005. However, this marriage also ended in separation, with Srirasmi stepping away from royal life.

In 2019, just days before his coronation, King Vajiralongkorn married Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, a former flight attendant and military officer. This marriage formalized her role as the queen, granting her a prominent position within the royal family.

His personal life, characterized by dramatic relationships and shifting family dynamics, has often overshadowed his role as king. Yet, King Vajiralongkorn remains a central figure in Thailand’s monarchy, balancing his personal challenges with the responsibilities of his position.

King Vajiralongkorn’s reign is defined by immense wealth, royal tradition, and a complex personal life. As the wealthiest monarch in the world, his financial legacy is rooted in Thailand’s extensive royal assets, strategically managed through the Crown Property Bureau. His life story, marked by military service, global education, and high-profile relationships, adds a unique dimension to his role as king.

Despite controversies, King Vajiralongkorn continues to symbolize the enduring legacy of the Thai monarchy, holding a central place in the nation’s cultural and political landscape.

Leave a Comment

Discover more from Earthlings 1997

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading