LeaderPortfolio
Chearavanont
Dhanin Chearavanont
Rank #157
THAILANDDiversifiedDiversified

Dhanin Chearavanont

Net Worth
$17.516B
-1.43% (24h)
Dhanin Chearavanont, born in 1939, is a Thai billionaire businessman and the Senior Chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group). His source of wealth is diversified across agribusiness, retail, telecommunications, and other industries. He took control of the family business around age 30 and transformed the seed shop into a global conglomerate. Dhanin's career spans over six decades of leadership, transforming CP Group into a global leader in animal feed production, livestock, and agribusiness. His net worth as of March 2024 is estimated at $19.4 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Thailand and the world.

How to read Dhanin Chearavanont's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Dhanin Chearavanont, we anchor the narrative to Diversified and Diversified, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $17.516B alongside global rank #157, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (THAILAND) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Dhanin Chearavanont was born on April 19, 1939, in Bangkok, Thailand. He is the youngest of four sons to Chia Ek Chor, a Chinese immigrant who established a seed trading business. Dhanin attended primary school in Thailand and later studied in China and Hong Kong. He discontinued formal studies at age 17.

Rise to Success

Dhanin took over the family business, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), around the age of 30. Under his leadership, CP Group expanded from a seed trading operation into a global conglomerate with interests in agribusiness, retail, telecommunications, and food processing. He served as chairman and CEO for nearly five decades, transforming CP into the world's top animal feed producer. The company has operations in numerous countries, including China, where CP has become a major player.

Key Business Strategies

Dhanin's business strategies have included expanding CP Group's operations globally, with a strong focus on the Chinese market. He built close relationships with Chinese leaders, making CP Group a significant foreign investor in China. This expansion has helped the company diversify its revenue streams. He also focused on vertical integration, controlling every step of the food production process “from farm to fork”.

Philanthropy

Dhanin Chearavanont is known for his philanthropic endeavors. In 2020, he donated $21.8 million to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand. He also supports various health initiatives.

Career Timeline

2017

Transitioned to Senior Chairman

Appointed his sons to the roles of Chairman and CEO, maintaining oversight.

2011

Forbes Asia Businessman of the Year

Recognized for transforming CP Group into a global food powerhouse.

1964

Took over Charoen Pokphand Group

Assumed leadership of the family business, expanding its operations.

Philanthropic Impact

Health$21.8M

COVID-19 Donation

Donation to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand in 2020.

HealthcareUnknown

Dhanin Tawee Chearavanont Foundation

Supports underprivileged and vulnerable groups access to quality public healthcare by working with national, regional, and global partners.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
True Corporation (TRUE)19.70%$1.6M
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF)6.48%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Dhanin Chearavanont was born on April 19, 1939, in Bangkok, Thailand. He is the youngest of four sons to Chia Ek Chor, a Chinese immigrant who established a seed trading business. Dhanin attended primary school in Thailand and later studied in China and Hong Kong. He discontinued formal studies at age 17.

Rise to Success

Dhanin took over the family business, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), around the age of 30. Under his leadership, CP Group expanded from a seed trading operation into a global conglomerate with interests in agribusiness, retail, telecommunications, and food processing. He served as chairman and CEO for nearly five decades, transforming CP into the world's top animal feed producer. The company has operations in numerous countries, including China, where CP has become a major player.

Key Business Strategies

Dhanin's business strategies have included expanding CP Group's operations globally, with a strong focus on the Chinese market. He built close relationships with Chinese leaders, making CP Group a significant foreign investor in China. This expansion has helped the company diversify its revenue streams. He also focused on vertical integration, controlling every step of the food production process “from farm to fork”.

Philanthropy

Dhanin Chearavanont is known for his philanthropic endeavors. In 2020, he donated $21.8 million to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand. He also supports various health initiatives.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Dhanin Chearavanont are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.