If you were asked to name the world’s richest person, the answer would almost certainly be Elon Musk. And you would be right. But when it comes to sheer grandeur, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, widely
known as King Rama X, stands apart. He is regarded as the world’s richest king. Though he may not match Musk in total wealth, his opulent lifestyle could leave even billionaires envious. Around the world there are several royals with immense fortunes, yet King Rama is often placed in a league of his own.
King Rama’s total wealth is estimated at around $50 billion (approximately Rs 4.5 lakh crore). A key pillar of this fortune is the Crown Property Bureau (CPB), which came under his direct control in 2018. His wealth can be judged from the scale of real estate under him, properties spread across Thailand that generate thousands of crores of rupees annually in rent, excluding the soaring value of the land itself.
What is his true source of income?
The Thai monarch’s primary source of income is the rent earned from his vast land and property portfolio. Estimates suggest he owns about 6,560 hectares (16,210 acres) across Thailand, with rental agreements covering more than 40,000 properties. Of these, more than 17,000 are located in Bangkok alone, including commercial complexes, hotels, palaces and resorts.
Large stakes in major banks
King Rama also holds significant corporate stakes. He reportedly owns around 23% of Siam Commercial Bank, Thailand’s second-largest banking group, and about 33% of Siam Cement Group, a leading industrial conglomerate. These investments form another major pillar of his income.
A life of extraordinary luxury
The scale of his wealth is reflected in his lifestyle. With thousands of properties under his name, it is said that even if he stayed in a different residence every night, it would take 47 years to repeat a stay. His collection reportedly includes 38 private jets and aircraft, along with helicopters.
Inside his palace, more than 300 luxury cars are housed, including Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. His wealth extends to 52 gold-plated yachts, along with vast quantities of diamonds, jewels and precious metals.
Other wealthy kings around the world
Reports from agencies such as Forbes and Bloomberg place King Rama among the richest ruling royals globally. Others on the list include:
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei
Believed to have a net worth between $28 billion and $50 billion, largely derived from vast oil and gas reserves. He is known for owning the world’s largest residential palace, more than 7,000 luxury cars, and several private aircraft.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia
His personal wealth is estimated at around $18 billion, while the wider Saudi royal family’s wealth is believed to exceed $1 trillion, driven mainly by oil revenues and global investments.
Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein
With an estimated net worth of about $10 billion, his wealth comes from LGT Bank, major investments and art holdings. His is among Europe’s wealthiest royal families.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai
His fortune is estimated between $4 billion and $14 billion, primarily built on real estate and tourism. He also serves as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar
Estimated to be worth between $2 billion and $10 billion, with major income from gas reserves and sovereign investments. Qatar has also invested heavily in sports and media, including Al Jazeera.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco
His net worth is pegged between $2 billion and $10 billion, with wealth generated from banking, mining and agriculture businesses.
