Thaksin 4th Richest Man In Thailand

Thaksin 4th richest man in Thailand

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is the country's fourth richest businessman, with a fortune worth US$2.2 billion (Bt84.12 billion), Forbes magazine said Monday.

The 56-year-old billionaire, who took office in 2001, founded telecom giant Shin Corp, which includes the top mobile phone operator, satellite services and a stake in a budget airline.

His family in January sold a nearly 50-per-cent stake in Shin Corp and earned $1.9 billion under a tax-free deal.

Thailand's richest businessman is Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, the owner of Thai Beverage, with his fortune worth $3.2 billion, Forbes said.

The Thai brewer produces Chang Beer, which listed in Singapore in May due to strong opposition at home from anti-alcohol activists. The listing was Singapore's biggest initial public offering since 1993.

The second richest businessman, according to Forbes, is Chaleo Yoovidhya, who created the formula for energy drink Red Bull.

Agence France-Presse

who's 3rd then ?

and does Forbes or The Nation or AFP have any reliable data on "drug barons" who as Martin said in another thread are actually behind whole Thai political turmoil ? would be intersting to know their place on "richest ladder" !