King Charles III’s personal wealth, excluding the £15 billion value of the Crown Estate managed on his behalf, is estimated at around £640 million. This amount, while significant, is dwarfed by the vast fortune of Thailand’s King Rama X.
King Rama X, officially known as His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, inherited a legacy worth $43 billion (£32 billion) upon ascending to the throne in 2016. He is the 10th monarch of the Chakri dynasty, which has ruled Thailand since 1782, making him the wealthiest monarch globally, surpassing King Charles by approximately 50 times.
Reportedly, King Rama X has strategically managed his immense wealth by investing in real estate and the telecommunications industry, significantly increasing his already substantial fortune. His property portfolio includes commercial buildings, luxury hotels, and historic palaces.
The king is also known to own around 300 luxury vehicles, ranging from classic Rolls-Royces to modern supercars. Additionally, his “air force” consists of 38 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, many customized to meet his specific needs. Following Thai customs, he maintains a ceremonial fleet of 52 golden barges for traditional river processions that emphasize the monarchy’s cultural ties to the nation.
Similar to the UK’s Crown Estate, Thailand operates the Crown Property Bureau to oversee the royal family’s commercial interests. However, King Rama X has tightened personal control over this organization. Some citizens have expressed dissent against his reign, advocating for democratic reforms, constitutional amendments, and the repeal of laws that prohibit criticism of the monarch.
Questions have arisen regarding the disparity between the king’s vast wealth and Thailand’s economic inequality. In 2019, King Rama X brought two army units under his direct command, a move interpreted by some as a step towards establishing an absolute monarchy.
An article in World Politics Review highlighted King Rama X’s more visible involvement in politics compared to his father, King Bhumibol. The current king has navigated himself into a central position in Thai politics, diminishing the influence of both the military and politicians along the way.