Prasert's wealth rises despite gloomy market

Money and Banking Magazine's survey showed his stock holdings increased by Bt4.45 billion or 7.69 per cent from last year. 

Aside from his 19.11 per cent stake in BDMS (translated into Bt54.78 billion in value) and 0.79 per cent in Nonthavej Hospital (Bt42.46 million), Prasert's wealth rose this year because of the listing of Bangkok Airways in November 2014. Prasert's holding of 18.24 per cent in the airline company is equivalent to Bt7.5 billion. 

Prasert is also the 663rd richest billionaire and the 5th richest in Thailand in Forbes' ranking. 

His fortune rose despite the gloomy condition in the Thai stock market. 

Following an overview of Thai stock millionaires as of September 30, there were 6,712 individuals holding equity of more than 0.5 per cent in each listed company. The combined value of the stocks was Bt1.8 trillion, falling 1.64 per cent, or Bt29.96 billion, from last year. Their combined dividends worth Bt51.49 billion also declined by Bt339 million or 0.65 per cent from last year.

The millionaires' wealth this year eroded considerably as the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index experienced a turbulent year. 

In the individual ranking, Thongma Vijitpongpun, vice chairman and founder of Preuksa Real Estate, was ranked the second with stock holdings worth Bt35 billion, followed by Sompoch Ahunai, chief executive officer of Energy Absolute, with holdings worth Bt32 billion.

In the Thai magazine's survey, the Prasarttong-Osoths also became the richest in the country, with family-owned stocks valued at Bt88 billion, an increase of 34.86 per cent from last year, thanks to the listing of Bangkok Airways.

Last year's champion, the Chirathivat family, was ranked the second with holdings worth Bt58.55 billion, down by Bt10.84 billion by 15.63 per cent. 

Ranked third is the Kanjanapas family with holdings worth Bt45 billion, a decrease by Bt4.34 billion or 8.79 per cent.