Meet Thailand's richest king with 38 jets, 300 cars, and 52 golden boats — know more about the man behind the fortune

Time of India

27-05-2025

While the world is home to many billionaires, few embody the fusion of royal heritage, national influence, and immense wealth like King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, also known as King Rama X.
As reported, his estimated net worth exceeds Rs 3.7 lakh crore (around USD 43 billion), earning him the title of the richest king globally. Unlike corporate tycoons, his fortune stems from centuries-old monarchy assets, real estate, and strategic holdings in major Thai corporations. King Vajiralongkorn's extraordinary wealth reflects not just personal affluence, but the enduring financial power of Thailand's royal institution.
King Vajiralongkorn builds his fortune through Thailand's royal legacy
In contrast to self-made billionaires whose wealth is a result of entrepreneurship or technology, the wealth of King Vajiralongkorn lies in centuries of royal tradition. Upon his father's death, the beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, Vajiralongkorn took over huge assets held by the Crown Property Bureau (CPB), an institution that controls huge areas of royal real estate and business holdings. Though once regarded as state property, King Rama X remade this arrangement in 2018 by putting direct authority of the CPB into his own hands—yet further tightening his grip on finances.
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His fortune is not merely inherited. Strategic investment over the years in Thailand's most lucrative businesses, such as big banks, telecommunication companies, and real estate, have immensely contributed to his wealth. In contrast to Western monarchs who are subject to tight financial control, Vajiralongkorn's portfolio is mostly shrouded from public view, which grants more freedom and discretion to his assets.
King Vajiralongkorn fortune
King Vajiralongkorn's fortune is matched only by the opulence of his lifestyle. He is in possession of over 17,000 properties in Bangkok alone and is one of the biggest landowners in the capital city. His property portfolio comprises commercial structures, high-end hotels, and ancient palaces—most of which produce handsome rental income.
Aside from land, his hoard of luxury possessions is mind-boggling. He is said to have more than 300 high-end cars in his collection, from classic Rolls-Royces to contemporary supercars.
His private aviation fleet comprises 38 planes and helicopters, many of which are specially designed for royal use. In line with Thai royal protocol, he also has a ceremonial fleet of 52 golden barges, employed in elaborate river processions that reflect the monarchy's strong cultural connection with the country.
King Vajiralongkorn's early life
Born in 1952 to King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, Vajiralongkorn is their sole son. Raised from an early age to take over the throne, he was given elite military training abroad, where he studied in the United Kingdom and then at the University of New South Wales in Australia, graduating in military studies.
He also had pilot training and served with the Royal Thai Army, where he saw action in counter-insurgency campaigns during the politically charged 1970s.
This military experience has had a profound influence on his character and leadership style. As monarch, he has ceremonial command of the Thai military, bolstering both his position as sovereign and national security figure.
Thailand's monarchy faces new challenges under King Vajiralongkorn
Though King Vajiralongkorn wields vast institutional authority, his private life has frequently been the subject of controversy and international media scrutiny.
His four marriages, three of them ended in divorce, have been the subject of tabloid headlines. He now spends much of his time in Germany, a move that has raised eyebrows among Thai people and the international community alike.
His reign has also been accompanied by increasing demands for monarchical reform in Thailand. With stringent lèse-majesté laws that criminalize any criticism of the royal family, there has been a protest movement challenging the king's increasing powers and the political powers of the monarchy by young people over recent years.
King Vajiralongkorn's fortune mixes royal power with business
Although the economic fiefdom of others like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos could overshadow that of King Vajiralongkorn in terms of sheer figures, the Thai king's role is singular. Unlike capitalist moguls who accumulate riches under capitalism, Vajiralongkorn is a confluence of conventional power, capital, and symbolic authority. His role is not only fiscal but cultural, deeply embedded in the national consciousness of Thailand.
In contrast, India's wealthiest entrepreneurs—Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani—are continuing to increase their wealth with expansive business dynasties. Ambani's net worth, as of May 2025, is estimated at USD 92.5 billion, while Adani's is approximately USD 56.3 billion. Both control sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure but within corporate regimes and public spheres of control.
In spite of continued controversy and changing public attitudes, King Vajiralongkorn is still a powerful symbol of Thailand's monarchical heritage. His riches, derived from history and business, enable him to enjoy an extraordinary life of privilege and power. From golden boats to vast landholdings and international living, King Rama X is a unique combination of heritage, opulence, and contemporary power in a world where most monarchs have lost their political clout.
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