New analysis reveals the staggering scale of personal wealth held by Thailand's monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which utterly eclipses the fortune of Britain's King Charles III.
A Fortune Fifty Times Greater
The Thai king, officially known as His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, possesses an estimated personal fortune of £32 billion. This astonishing sum makes him the world's wealthiest reigning monarch. In a stark comparison, King Charles III's personal wealth, excluding the commercially managed Crown Estate, is estimated at around £640 million. This means the Thai sovereign is roughly 50 times wealthier than his British counterpart.
The Extravagant Assets of a Modern Monarch
King Rama X, who ascended to the throne in 2016 following the death of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has reportedly deployed his immense wealth on a legendary collection of assets. His portfolio is said to include:
- 17,000 houses across a vast property empire.
- A private air fleet of 38 helicopters and fixed-wing jets, many custom-modified.
- An assemblage of approximately 300 luxury cars, spanning vintage Rolls-Royces to modern supercars.
- A ceremonial fleet of 52 golden barges used in traditional river processions.
His property holdings extend beyond residential units to encompass commercial buildings and luxury hotels, alongside historic palaces. Analysts note he has managed his inheritance astutely, making strategic investments in sectors like telecommunications to further grow the royal fortune.
Wealth, Power, and Scrutiny in Thailand
The king's extraordinary riches and his tightening grip on the Crown Property Bureau—which oversees the royal family's commercial interests—have not gone without notice or criticism. For many Thais, the monarch's vast wealth sits in jarring contrast to the country's significant economic inequality.
Furthermore, King Rama X's reign has seen a more direct involvement in politics and security. In 2019, he brought two key army units under his direct command. Joshua Kurlantzick of the Council on Foreign Relations suggested this move pushed Thailand "closer to an absolute monarchy," noting the king has positioned himself at the centre of Thai political power.
Domestic challenges to his rule have emerged, with calls for democratic reform and, crucially, the repeal of Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws that criminalise criticism of the monarchy. These factors ensure that the discussion around King Rama X's immense fortune is as much about power and politics as it is about sheer wealth.
