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Published on March 10, 2008

What do you feel about these names: Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, Chaleo Yoovidya, Dhanin Chearavanont, Vanchai Chirathivat, Sunthorn Vongkusolkit, Krit Ratanarak, the Bhirombhakdi family, Vichai Maleenont, Somporn Jungrungreangkit, Praneetsilpa Vacharaphol and family, Prayudh Mahagitsiri and William Heinecke?

If all these names appeared in the programme, there would no way to tell how one is different from the others, for all of them are proven US dollar billionaires or millionaires according to Forbes magazine's new ranking. The only difference is the size of their fortunes. Hmm, a black sheep could be former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who took the No-4 Thai ranking, for he is the only businessman-turned-politician. He is also the only man who faces a challenge over assets holdings.

Globetrotting with the jet set

There is something else interesting about the Forbes ranking. Many new billionaires turned up around the world, thanks to the weakening dollar, which drove many American businessmen off the chart.

Agence France-Presse reported that Moscow boasts 74 billionaires this year, outstripping New York. And this spurs demand for luxury products. Newspapers and magazines are bursting with stories of the super-rich and what they get up to in Moscow and in their second, third or fourth homes abroad. Much of their wealth is based on Russia's vast oil, gas and other natural resources.

Some of the rich are inclined to downplay their wealth. Polina Deripaska, wife of Russia's newly declared richest man, Oleg Deripaska, told the Vedomosti newspaper on Thursday about the modest sums she once spent as a student at Britain's exclusive Millfield school. After spending her entire term allowance of US$300 (Bt9,450) in just two weeks, "I wouldn't go anywhere and ate just the school food."

The super-rich of course spend much of their time outside Moscow.

In winter some follow President Vladimir Putin's example and jet off for weekend skiing at the southern resort of Sochi, while in summer they can be found messing around on boats outside the city.

What are the Thai rich doing?

Thaksin loves going out to beef noodle shops. Whenever one boasts to be the best, he is ready to try it, regardless of the conditions of the shop. Not that he doesn't like luxury products. When he was prime minister, he was caught carrying an ultra-luxury "Fendi" brand towel during a reality show at a very poor village in the Northeast.

 No matter how much he says he missed home when he returned to Thailand, he is travelling again to London.

Who wouldn't want to travel with all the comforts that a first-class ticket can buy plus a warm welcome at airports?

Achara Deboonme

achara_d@nationgroup.com

The Nation