Thai Chinese businessman Dhanin Chearavanont has an estimated net worth of $17.3 billion as of January 2016, according to Forbes. As of 2013, he is considered as the wealthiest man in Malaysia as well as in the whole of Southeast Asia.

Born in 1938 in Bangkok Thailand, Dhanin Chearavanont acquired most of his fortune from  his conglomerate which currently holds interests in various industries. His family's business actually started with his uncle and father in the 1920's when both began selling agricultural chemicals and seeds. Eventually, the business expanded throughout Asia. Among his family's businesses include Magnolias Development, CP ALL, Ping An Insurance, Charoen Pokphand Foods, Concordian International School, Super Brand Mall, Lotus Supermarket Chain, Siam Makro, True Corporation and Ping An Insurance.

When China opened itself to foreign firms in the 1980's, Charoen Pokphand Group instantly became one of the most favorite partners of many international companies like Walmart, Tesco and Honda. Today, CP Group is considered as one of Asia's largest conglomerates. It holds stakes in marketing, telecommunications, agriculture, crop integration, pet foods, petrochemicals, logistics and distribution, land and property development, international trading, insurance, and automotive.