BANGKOK: King Maha Vajiralongkorn Just Took the Reins of the Royal Treasure Trove!
In a move that feels oddly like a game of Monopoly, Thailand’s monarch has been handed full ownership of the palace’s mind‑boggling billions. A new explanatory note from the financial arm of the monarchy (yes, the secretive guys who keep their money hidden) announced the shift following a law tweak last year.
The Great Heir‑Giver: How the King Got the Cash
- Oct 2016: After the king’s dad shook hands with the afterlife, the throne (and the mega wealth) stuck to him.
- Chakri Dynasty: Believe it or not, the royal family is a financial juggernaut—estimates wobble between US$30‑60 billion.
- CPB: The Crown Property Bureau, a money‑vaulting beast, wields ties to everything from big real estate to top Thai companies.
The 69‑Year Legal Reboot
Back in July, the Thai junta dropped a fresh law to give Vajiralongkorn full control over the CPB. It feels like the monarchy decided “I’m the boss, the money is my baby.”
“All ‘Crown Property Assets’ are to flip back into the King’s hands, so He can run them as He pleases.”
What that means in plain English
- Owner’s name change: Every share the CPB owns will now be in the king’s name.
- Taxing the golden goose: Previously tax‑free assets will now pay taxes—because, apparently, the king wants a bit of a lifestyle upgrade.
Because the lese majeste law is as strict as a monastic vow, talking about royal money is practically forbidden. Reporters in Thailand must tread carefully, or face jail time.
Final Word from the CPB
The knotty note doesn’t have a date, and the CPB normally keeps mum about it. If you’d like more info, you’ll need to go around the department—though chances are low.
Bottom line: The king’s got the ultimate decree, making him the sole manager of the palace’s colossal fortune. And it’s up to the public to decide if that’s a good thing or a royal drama waiting to happen.
