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 It is his third consecutive time at the pole position. Well known for cofounding the energy drink Red Bull, the 77-year old tycoon's net worth stayed flat at US$4 billion during the year. The combined wealth of Thailand's 40 richest also saw no change at $25 billion.

The top 10 richest in Thailand are:

1) Chaleo Yoovidhya; US$4 billion

2) Dhanin Chearavanont; $3 billion

3) Chirathivat family; $2.9 billion

4) Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi; $2.8 billion

5) Krit Ratanarak; $1.2 billion

6) Chamnong Bhirombhakdi; $975 million

7) Praneetsilpa Vacharaphol; $940 million

8) Isara Vongkusolkit; $900 million

9) Vichai Maleenont; $650 million

10) Anant Asavabhokin; $500 million

The Kingdom's wealthiest have proven to be resilient despite the global economic downturn and self-inflicted political instability that has seen five prime ministers in three years.

At No. 2 is Dhanin Chearavanont, head of agribusiness conglomerate Charoen

Pokphand Group, one of the world's biggest feed and poultry companies. Dhanin, who

moved up the ranking two notches, is also the biggest gainer in dollar terms. His wealth

soared by a billion dollars to $3 billion.

Other tycoons in the food and agriculture businesses also enjoyed gains in their net

worths. Among them are sugar barons Isara Vongkusolkit (No. 8, $900 million) of Mitr Phol

Sugar and Nantha Chinthammit (No. 18, $360 million) of Khon Kaen Sugar Industry, and

seafood tycoon Kraisorn Chansiri (No. 28, $175 million).

Bucking the trend, however, was Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi of Thai Beverage. His

net worth fell to $2.8 billion from $3.9 billion last year. Ranked fourth on the list, he also had the biggest decline among those on the list.