Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

$5.00 B

Ranked #388 in World

About Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, born Vichai Raksriaksorn in Thailand on April 4, 1958, was a celebrated Thai billionaire and the visionary behind King Power's duty-free empire. As the 5th richest man in Thailand until his tragic demise in 2018, Vichai's astute business acumen extended to the football world, notably through his acquisition and chairmanship of Leicester City F.C. His tenure heralded an unprecedented Premier League victory in 2016, defying 5000/1 odds. A devoted family man, Vichai was also known for his philanthropy, deep spiritual beliefs, and contributions to sports. His legacy continues to impact both the retail and sports sectors profoundly.

Born

January 01, 1958 in Bangkok, Thailand

Died

October 27, 2018 (aged 60)

Source Of Wealth

Duty-free

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

Thailand

Spouse

Aimon Srivaddhanaprabha

Children

4, including Aiyawatt

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, born Vichai Raksriaksorn on April 4, 1958, in Thailand, was a Thai billionaire businessman, founder, owner, and chairman of King Power. He was born into a Thai Chinese family and studied in Taiwan and the United States.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Family

Vichai was married to Aimon Srivaddhanaprabha, and they had four children together: Voramas, Apichet, Aroonroong, and Aiyawatt. In 2012, the King of Thailand bestowed upon him the new surname Srivaddhanaprabha, which means "light of progressive glory."

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Career Highlights

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was the founder and CEO of King Power, a duty-free shop operator. He received the royal warrant from King Bhumibol of Thailand in December 2009. In August 2010, as part of the Asia Football Investments consortium, he purchased English Football League Championship club Leicester City. He became the club's chairman in February 2011, succeeding Milan Mandarić. In July 2011, he renamed Leicester's Walkers Stadium to King Power Stadium.

Vichai led Leicester City to win the 2015–16 Premier League title, starting as 5000/1 rank outsiders. As a reward for winning the title, he gifted 19 players with BMW i8 cars worth £100,000 each. Additionally, he purchased OH Leuven, a football club in Belgium, in May 2017.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Companies

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was the founder and CEO of King Power, a duty-free shop operator. He also owned Leicester City Football Club and OH Leuven Football Club.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Major Achievements

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's major achievements include leading Leicester City to win the 2015–16 Premier League title, starting as 5000/1 rank outsiders. He was also ranked 5th richest man in Thailand by Forbes magazine in October 2018, with a net worth of $4.9 billion.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Awards & Achievements

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha received an honorary doctorate as a Doctor of Laws by the University of Leicester in 2016. He was also awarded the new surname Srivaddhanaprabha, meaning "light of progressive glory," from the King of Thailand in 2012.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Personal Life & Legacy

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was an avid polo player and owned VR Polo Club in Bangkok.

He was also the president of Ham Polo Club in London from 2008 to 2012. He believed in the influence of karma on Leicester City F.C.'s success and built Buddhist temples and supported monks to accumulate good karma. He had a close relationship with Thai monk Phra Prommangkalachan and his fellow monks, who blessed team players. His son, Aiyawatt, became ordained as a Buddhist monk for a month in 2015.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Trivia

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's helicopter crashed outside King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018, after taking off from the pitch. Vichai, the pilots, and two other passengers died in the crash. His funeral lasted for eight days, beginning on November 3, according to Thai burial customs.

Wealth History

Timeline

April 4, 1958

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is born in Thailand as Vichai Raksriaksorn.

December 2009

Vichai receives the royal warrant from King Bhumibol of Thailand.

August 2010

Vichai purchases English Football League Championship club Leicester City as part of the Asia Football Investments consortium.

February 2011

Vichai becomes chairman of Leicester City, succeeding Milan Mandarić.

July 2011

Vichai renames Leicester's Walkers Stadium to King Power Stadium.

2012

Vichai receives the new surname Srivaddhanaprabha, meaning "light of progressive glory," from the King of Thailand.

2015

Vichai's son, Aiyawatt, becomes ordained as a Buddhist monk for a month.

2015–16

Leicester City, led by Vichai, wins the Premier League title, starting as 5000/1 rank outsiders.

May 2017

Vichai buys OH Leuven, a football club in Belgium.

October 27, 2018

Vichai's helicopter crashes outside King Power Stadium after taking off from the pitch. Vichai, the pilots, and two other passengers die in the crash.

November 3, 2018

Vichai's funeral begins, lasting for eight days according to Thai burial customs.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha : FAQs

What is Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's net worth?

As of 2018, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's net worth was $5.00 billion.

What are Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's main sources of wealth?

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's main source of income comes from Duty-free.

In which industry does Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha primarily operate?

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

Is Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha dead?

Yes, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died on October 27, 2018 (aged 60).

How many children does Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha have?

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has 4 children.

Who was Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and what was his impact on Leicester City Football Club?

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was a Thai billionaire businessman, the founder, owner, and chairman of King Power, and the owner of Premier League team Leicester City from 2010 until his death in 2018. He significantly impacted Leicester City by leading the club to its first-ever Premier League title in the 2015–16 season, defying 5000/1 odds.

What are some of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's notable contributions and achievements in his career?

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha founded King Power, a leading duty-free shop operator in Thailand, received a royal warrant from King Bhumibol in 2009, and was ranked as the 5th richest man in Thailand by Forbes in 2018. He notably purchased Leicester City Football Club in 2010, became its chairman in 2011, and renamed their stadium to King Power Stadium.

How did Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha integrate his personal beliefs into Leicester City's success?

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha integrated his Buddhist beliefs and the concept of karma into Leicester City's ethos. He believed in the influence of good karma on the club's success, supported the construction of Buddhist temples, had a close relationship with Thai monks who blessed the team, and his son was ordained as a monk, all reflecting his deep spiritual convictions.

What were the circumstances surrounding Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's death?

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died on October 27, 2018, when his helicopter crashed outside the King Power Stadium after taking off from the pitch. Alongside Vichai, the pilots and two other passengers died. His death led to an outpouring of tributes from Leicester City players, fans, and the football community worldwide.