Thailand’s monarchy is by many accounts the world’s wealthiest. Its investment arm, the Crown Property Bureau, is overseen by a board appointed by the king. But the royal family also has private holdings and is supported in part by the government. Here are a few things to know about the Thai royal fortune.

1. Golden jubilee diamond

Thailand’s monarchy owns the world’s largest cut and faceted diamond, the Golden Jubilee Diamond, which weighs 109.13 grams. It was mined in South Africa in 1985 and has been blessed by Pope John Paul II and the leaders of the Buddhist and Islamic faiths in Thailand. A jeweler presented it to late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark his 50th year on the throne.

2. $43 billion

The Crown Property Bureau is one of the most influential holding companies in Thailand, owning large stakes in Siam Commercial Bank PCL and industrial conglomerate Siam Cement PCL. Porphant Ouyyanont, a Thai academic, calculates the value of its equity and real-estate holdings at US$43 billion (S$61.3 billion).

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2016-10-10 15:35:13

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A look back at Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s life

Source:

Reuters

AFP

The Straits Times

The Nation/ANN

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According to Time, the 10 richest royals in the world are:

1. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand (died in 2016) — US$30 billion

2. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei — US$20 billion

3. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia (died in 2015) — US$18 billion

4. Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Emir of Abu Dhabi — US$15 billion

5. Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Emir Sheikh of Dubai — US$4 billion

6. Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein — US$3.5 billion

7. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Former Emir of Qatar — US$2.4 billion

8. Prince Albert II of Monaco — US$ 1 billion

9. Shah Karim al-Hussayni, Aga Khan IV of France — US$800 million

10. Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman — US$700 million

OTHER WSJ.COM STORIES:

– Thailand’s Royal Fortune Looms Over Crown Prince’s Ascension to the Throne

– As Thais Await New King, Military Consolidates Power

– Thai Junta Orders Ousted Leader too Pay $1 Billion