Quick Facts
Biography
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha (Thai: วิชัย ศรีวัฒนประภา; rtgs: Wichai Siwatthanaprapha), formerly Vichai Raksriaksorn (Thai: วิชัย รักศรีอักษร; rtgs: Wichai Raksi-akson), (born 5 June 1958) is a Thai billionaire businessman, founder, owner and chairman of King Power Duty Free.
Early life
Srivaddhanaprabha was born into a Thai Chinese family.
Career
He is the founder and CEO of King Power Duty Free, an operator of duty-free shops. In December 2009, King Power received the royal warrant from the King of Thailand in a ceremony attended by Raksriaksorn. He is ranked by Forbes magazine as the 7th richest man in Thailand, reportedly worth US$3.3 billion.
Vichai purchased English football club Leicester City in August 2010 following a three-year shirt sponsorship deal.
On 10 February 2011, he was named chairman of Leicester City while continuing as owner. His son, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, is vice-chairman.
Shortly before the 2016-2017 Premier League season Vichai gifted 19 BMW i8s to the players of Leicester City at £100k each.
King Power has purchased 39 percent of Asia Aviation (Thai Air Asia) in 2016.
Polo
In his spare time he is an avid polo player and owns the VR Polo Club in Bangkok. Vichai was also the president of Ham Polo Club in London between 2008 and 2012. Thailand Polo Association was founded by Mr Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in August 1998, and was given national status as the Thailand Polo association in January 2004.
Personal life
He is married and has four children.