Forbes: CP family richest in Thailand

According to Forbes magazine, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont is the richest person in Thailand.

The September edition of Forbes magazine has released the list of Thailand’s top 40 richest 2012. Mr Dhanin and his family is said to have 282 billion baht, a 60 billion baht increase from last year’s survey.

The second richest family is the Chirathivat, Central Retail Group owner. The Chirathivat moved up a notch, from the 4th place last year. The third richest billionaire in Thailand is Charoen Siriwattanapakdee, owner of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra ranked 23rd on the list with 18 billion baht’s worth of assets. Forbes stated that Mr Thaksin was ousted in 2006 coup and is living in self-imposed exile in Dubai to avoid a jail term after being convicted in absentia on corruption charges. The magazine also talked about an attempt by the government to seek a royal pardon to bring him back home without facing any punishment, saying if the plan succeeds, his 62 billion baht frozen assets could be returned to him.

BANGKOK, 7 September 2012 (NNT)