1. The Charavanont Family (Thailand)

The Chearavanonts are the richest family in the region and second richest globally with a combined wealth of $42.6 billion.

Originating from his home in southern China, Chia Ek Chor started a small seed business in Thailand in 1921.

That humble beginning blossomed into the Charoen Pokphand Group, a conglomerate under the leadership of his son, Dhanin Chearavanont.

Now, a century later, the family’s entrepreneurial spirit continues with Dhanin’s grandson, Korawad, who launched the tech firm Amity, even partnering with parts of the family’s own business empire.

2. The Hartono Family (Indonesia)

Michael Hartono, Co-owner of Djarum Group. Photo by Reuters

The Hartono family’s wealth, estimated at $42.2 billion, is primarily built on their control of two major Indonesian entities: cigarette producer Djarum and Bank Central Asia.

The foundation of their empire began in 1950 when Oei Wie Gwan purchased a cigarette brand and transformed it into Djarum, which became a leading manufacturer in Indonesia.

After Oei’s passing in 1963, his sons strategically diversified their holdings by investing in Bank Central Asia, an investment that now constitutes the largest portion of their substantial fortune.

3. The Yoovidhya Family (Thailand)

Thai businessman Chalerm Yoovidhya and his wife Daranee Yoovidhya attend the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull race track in Spielberg, Austria on July 2, 2023. Photo by AFP

The Yoovidhyas ranks eighth globally with a net worth of $25.7 billion.

Chaleo Yoovidhya, initially a pharmaceutical seller, founded T.C. Pharmaceutical in 1956.

His entrepreneurial journey led him to create Krating Daeng, an energy drink, in 1975.

A pivotal moment occurred when Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian marketer, encountered Krating Daeng. Recognizing its potential, Mateschitz partnered with Chaleo to adapt the formula and introduce Red Bull to the global market.

The immense wealth of both the Yoovidhya and Mateschitz families is directly linked to the worldwide success of this energy drink.

Chaleo’s eldest son Chalerm now controls the family’s assets.

4. The Kwek Family (Singapore/Malaysia)

Kwek Leng Beng, executive chairman of Hong Leong Group and executive chairman of City Developments Limited (CDL), 20 October 2023. Photo by AFP

The Kweks, a three-generation family in Singapore and Malaysia, possess $17.9 billion in wealth, making them the 15th richest families in the world.

In 1941, Kwek Hong Png and his brothers established Hong Leong in Singapore.

The company’s expansion was divided geographically, with Kwek Leng Beng, the eldest son, taking charge of the Singaporean operations, which now encompass a broad range of sectors including real estate, hotels, and financial services.

Meanwhile, Quek Leng Chan, Kwek Hong Png’s nephew, was tasked with leading the Malaysian branch, which has since evolved into one of Malaysia’s major conglomerates.

5. The Chirathivat Family (Thailand)

Central Group chief executive Tos Chirathivat says the group has set aside 39 billion baht for investments at home and abroad this year. Photo by AFP

The Chirathivats, with $15.7 billion in wealth, controls one of Thailand’s largest commercial conglomerate, Central Group.

Tiang Chirathivat, an immigrant from Hainan, laid the foundation for a business empire in 1947 by opening a small family store in Bangkok.

His sons subsequently managed the company for approximately fifty years, after which leadership transitioned to his grandson, Tos.