When it comes to royal wealth, Britain’s royal family often grabs attention worldwide. However, when it comes to the title of the richest monarch, that honor goes to Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or King Rama X. With an estimated net worth between $30 billion and $45 billion, he surpasses not only King Charles III of the United Kingdom but also many other royal figures around the world.
The 66-year-old King Vajiralongkorn became Thailand’s monarch following the passing of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2016. His father ruled for 70 years and was revered globally, not just for his longevity on the throne but also for his economic influence in Thailand. King Vajiralongkorn has since taken the royal family’s wealth to new heights, becoming the richest king worldwide, according to reports from sources like Fox Business and Economic Times.
Wealth in Real Estate and Investments Fueling His Net Worth
King Vajiralongkorn’s wealth largely comes from massive real estate investments throughout Thailand. The Thai royal family has accumulated land over centuries, and King Rama X has roughly 40,000 land rental contracts generating income, with 17,000 of those contracts located in Bangkok alone. He also holds major shares in Siam Commercial Bank (23%) and Siam Cement Group (33.3%), one of Thailand’s largest industrial companies. These assets alone have made him one of the most influential figures in Thailand’s economy.
In addition to real estate and banking, King Vajiralongkorn’s wealth includes some of the most exclusive assets in the world, further establishing his standing as the wealthiest monarch. These assets are valued at billions and contribute significantly to his overall net worth.
The Lavish Lifestyle and Assets of King Rama X
The King of Thailand’s lifestyle is as opulent as his wealth. Among his prized possessions is a 545.67-carat Golden Jubilee Diamond, valued at approximately Rs 98 crore (around $13 million), which is believed to be the world’s largest faceted diamond. The royal family resides in the ‘Grand Palace,’ a sprawling 23,51,000 square feet palace in Bangkok, which is a significant symbol of Thai history and royal heritage.
Adding to his luxurious lifestyle is an impressive collection of over 300 luxury cars, including Mercedes-Benz and limousines, as well as a fleet of 38 aircraft, including 21 helicopters. The king reportedly spends over Rs 500 crore annually on the maintenance of these vehicles and aircraft, underscoring the scale of his royal lifestyle.
King Charles III’s Wealth in Comparison
While King Vajiralongkorn’s wealth reaches into the tens of billions, King Charles III of Britain holds a comparatively smaller net worth. Reports estimate that Charles’s wealth sits at around $772 million, a considerable sum but nowhere near Thailand’s royal fortune. Much of Charles’s wealth comes from his personal estates, such as Sandringham, valued at approximately $315 million, and Balmoral Castle, valued at around $265 million. However, even these iconic British estates cannot match the value of Thailand’s royal assets.
Thailand’s Royal Influence on Global Rankings
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s net worth and influence have placed him at the top among royal families globally, and his investments continue to elevate the Thai economy. His father, King Bhumibol, had also held the title of the world’s richest monarch as per Forbes in 2011, and the current king’s wealth only builds on this legacy.
The wealth of Thailand’s monarchy is not just a testament to historical assets but also a demonstration of strategic economic influence. As the wealthiest monarch in the world, King Vajiralongkorn’s net worth underscores the immense financial clout of Thailand’s royal family.
