Story of Malaysia’s 6th richest man Ananda Krishnan’s only son: From billionaire heir to Buddhist monk

As Krishnan passed away on Thursday at the age of 86, the future of his US$5.1 billion fortune has become a topic of interest, especially since Ven Ajahn Siripanyo follows the Theravada Buddhist tradition. According to Nation Thailand, this tradition prohibits monks from accumulating personal wealth, as it hinders the pursuit of nirvana.

Krishnan was ranked as Malaysia’s sixth-richest person, with an estimated net worth of US$5.1 billion, according to Forbes.

He left behind a vast business empire, including stakes in companies such as Malaysia’s largest telecommunications operator Maxis, satellite broadcaster Astro Malaysia, and oilfield services provider Bumi Armada. He also had interests in India’s Aircel and Sri Lanka’s SLTMobitel.

Ananda Krishnan, a Malaysian businessman and philanthropist, attends the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 9, 2014 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Photo by AFP

Unlike many other heirs to billion-dollar fortunes, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo has lived most of his life out of the public eye. However, a deeper look into his life by the South China Morning Post has revealed the following five facts about him.

1. He is a descendant of the Thai royal family

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo’s connection to the Thai royal family is through his mother’s side. As reported by Hindustan Times, he was born to Krishnan and his first wife Momwajarongse Suprinda Chakraban, who, according to Reuters, is a Thai princess.

In fact, his journey toward embracing Buddhism began when he traveled to Thailand at the age of 18 to visit his mother’s family more than 20 years ago.

2. He is now an abbot

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo has been appointed the abbot of Dtao Dum Monastery, located on the remote Thailand-Myanmar border. His life now revolves around quiet devotion and spiritual discipline.

3. He grew up with a global upbringing

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo spent much of his childhood in London, growing up with his two sisters. This international upbringing exposed him to diverse cultures, which likely made him adopt a well-rounded, open-minded approach to Buddhist teachings.

4. He can speak eight languages

Given his privileged and multicultural background, it is no surprise that Ven Ajahn Siripanyo is a linguistic prodigy. While the precise languages he speaks remain mysterious due to his reclusive nature, it is known that he is fluent in English, and it’s highly likely he speaks Tamil and Thai as well.

5. He occasionally enjoys his former lavish lifestyle

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo’s ties to his family and former life remain intact, as he maintained a close tie with his billionaire father, reflecting one of the core tenets of Buddhism: familial love. He was spotted several times traveling in luxury to meet with his father, including one occasion when he was seen flying on a private jet to Italy to visit Krishnan.