The Yoovidhya family, whose fortune is linked to the Red Bull energy drink, has been named Thailand’s richest family for the third consecutive year, according to the 2026 Forbes Thailand Rich List.
Forbes reported that the family’s net worth rose to US$47 billion, an increase of US$2.5 billion from last year. The gain was driven by annual revenue growing by more than 8 percent to US$13.9 billion, supported by worldwide sales of nearly 14 billion cans of Red Bull.
The combined wealth of Thailand’s richest individuals also increased by 10 percent to US$87 billion from US$70.5 billion a year earlier, aided by a strong stock market.
Top fortunes continue to grow
The Chearavanont brothers of CP Group remained second on the list with a net worth of US$36.6 billion, up US$900 million from 2025.
Energy and telecommunications tycoon Sarath Ratanavadi retained third place after his wealth jumped by US$5.6 billion to US$17.6 billion, supported by the continued strong performance of Gulf Development Plc.
The Chirathivat family climbed one place to fourth after its wealth rose by more than one-third to US$11.7 billion, driven by its interests in Central department stores and shopping malls.
Beverage and property businessman Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi ranked fifth with a net worth of US$11.5 billion, reflecting a 10 percent increase that Forbes partly attributed to the restructuring of his real estate portfolio under Singapore-listed Frasers Property.
AI boom lifts new and returning billionaires
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra dropped four places to 14th, with a net worth of US$1.8 billion.
Among the biggest gainers was Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, co-founder and group chief executive officer of WHA, whose wealth surged 69 percent to US$1.25 billion. Forbes said rising demand for artificial intelligence data centres attracted foreign investment into Thailand, benefiting the industrial estate, warehouse and logistics operator.
Two entrepreneurs returned to the list this year. Bancha Ongkosit, founder of printed circuit board manufacturer KCE Electronics, ranked 46th with US$653 million after benefiting from demand for AI-related hardware.
Gunkul Dhumrongpiyawut, founder of Gunkul Engineering, returned in 41st place with US$750 million, supported by the company’s expansion into supplying renewable energy to data centres.
Forbes also noted that three longtime members of the rich list had died, with their fortunes passing to their successors. They were media entrepreneur Krit Ratanarak, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services co-founder Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth and Muangthai Capital co-founder Chuchat Patcharachai.
The minimum net worth required to enter this year’s ranking increased to US$555 million, up from US$420 million in 2025.
