THAKSIN IS THAILAND'S 16TH RICHEST MAN

BANGKOK, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Despite being on the run, ousted Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra remains among the richest persons in Thailand,
according to the latest Forbes Asia Thailand Rich list.

Thaksin remains at number 16 with a wealth of US$390 million, down from
$400 million last year.

He was ousted in a 2006 coup and convicted in absentia to
two years in prison last October for violating conflict-of-interest laws, when
his former wife, purchased land from the government.

"Over three million Thais have signed a petition presented to Thailand's
King requesting his pardon," the magazine said today, adding that Thaksin is
among 19 on the list who saw their net worth decline this year.

The 77-year-old beverage baron Chaleo Yoovidhya, well known for co-founding
the energy drink Red Bull, is Thailand's wealthiest person for the third
consecutive time, with net worth staying flat at US$4 billion during the year.

In second place is Dhanin Chearavanont, head of agri-business conglomerate
Charoen Pokphand Group, one of the world's biggest feed and poultry company
who moved two rungs as his wealth soared by a billion dollars to US$3 billion.

At number three are descendants of Central Group's founder, Tiang
Chirathivat, including families of his three wives and 25 children, with their
combined wealth having increased by US$100 million to US$2.9 billion.

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

Among them are sugar barons Isara Vongkusolkit of Mitr Phol Sugar at number
eight (US$900 million) and Khon Kaen Sugar Industry's Nantha Chinthammit at
18th (US$360 million) as well as seafood tycoon Kraisorn Chansiri at 28th spot
(US$175 million).

Bucking the trend however, was Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi of Thai Beverage,
who ranked fourth. His net worth fell to US$2.8 billion from US$3.9 billion last
year.

The combined wealth of Thailand's 40 richest also saw no change at US$25
billion, said Forbes.

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

-- BERNAMA