Asia’s 5 wealthiest monarchs flaunt estimated $108B

By Linh Le   February 29, 2024 | 06:00 pm PT
Asia’s five richest monarchs boast a combined fortune of an estimated US$108 billion, with King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei featuring prominently among them, according to reports.
Asia’s 5 wealthiest monarchs flaunt estimated $108B

At the top of the list stands King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, with an estimated fortune of US$43 billion, as reported by The Business Standard.

His vast wealth primarily comes from real estate, constituting the biggest portion of his assets. Fortune magazine reports that he owns at least 65.6 square kilometers of land throughout Thailand, including highly valuable areas in Bangkok worth approximately US$30 billion.

Additionally, the king benefits from diverse sources of income, holding significant shares in some of Thailand’s premier financial and industrial entities. This includes a 23% share in Thailand’s second-largest lender, Siam Commercial Bank, and a 33% stake in Siam Cement Group, the nation’s leading industrial conglomerate, with his shares valued at about US$9 billion.

His extensive collection also encompasses nearly 38 aircraft, 300 high-end vehicles, over 50 boats, and a significant array of diamonds and gemstones.

Photo by Reuters

Asia’s 5 wealthiest monarchs flaunt estimated $108B

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei follows, with his wealth reported by Time magazine to be around US$28 billion.

His opulent lifestyle includes a notable automobile collection worth US$5 billion, according to automotive information platform CarBuzz. Among the collection are approximately 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys, as noted by The Sun.

Additionally, the Sultan and his family reside in Istana Nurul Iman, the world’s largest residential palace, which features 1,700 rooms.

Photo from Brunei Royal Family's Instagram

Asia’s 5 wealthiest monarchs flaunt estimated $108B

King Salman of Saudi Arabia is the third wealthiest monarch in Asia, with CNBC reporting his net worth at US$17 billion.

Since many of the nation’s leadership duties have shifted to his son, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, there has been less media focus on King Salman’s personal lifestyle.

Photo from Instagram/kingsalman

Asia’s 5 wealthiest monarchs flaunt estimated $108B

In fourth place is Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, with an estimated wealth between US$14-18 billion, according to the Hindustan Times.

Sheikh Mohammed is renowned for his pioneering initiatives that have positioned Dubai as a global center, including overseeing the development of projects such as the Palm Islands, the Burj Al Arab hotel, as well as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as pointed out by the Financial Times.

He is also known for his interest in equestrianism and Arabic poetry, highlighting his varied interests.

Photo from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Instagram

Asia’s 5 wealthiest monarchs flaunt estimated $108B

Completing the list, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar has an estimated net worth of US$2 billion, as highlighted by The Irish Sun in a report.

His and his family’s investments in significant property worldwide include landmarks like London’s Shard, the Olympic Village, and New York’s Empire State Building. He also acquired Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 through Qatar Sports Investments, according to The Sun.

Photo from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar's Instagram

 
 
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