Billionaire Profile
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth
Global Rank
#1201

Image: Chainwit. | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth

CEO, Hospitals
THAILAND
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.599B
Estimated based on Hospitals stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.21% (24h)
Age
93
Source
Hospitals, airline
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
THAILAND

Biography

Dr. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, a Thai billionaire and former surgeon, is a prominent figure in Thailand's healthcare and aviation sectors. With a current net worth of $3.8 billion, he is the founder of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), Thailand's largest private healthcare group, and Bangkok Airways, a regional airline. His career began as a medical doctor, specializing in surgery. He transitioned into entrepreneurship, establishing BDMS in 1972, and later, Bangkok Airways. His achievements include establishing a leading healthcare provider and a successful airline, contributing significantly to Thailand's healthcare and transportation infrastructure. The family has five children.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth was born in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 22, 1933. Coming from a family involved in traditional Thai medicine, Prasert pursued a medical degree at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. He graduated as a medical doctor and became a surgeon.

Rise to Success

In 1972, Prasert co-founded Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), which has since become Thailand's largest private healthcare group. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to establish Bangkok Airways, the first privately owned domestic airline in Thailand, in 1968.

Key Business Strategies

Prasert's business philosophy focuses on diversification and long-term investments in healthcare and aviation. His strategy emphasizes integrating medical expertise with entrepreneurial skills, ensuring high-quality services, and adopting a patient-centric approach. BDMS operates a network of 58 hospitals in Thailand and Cambodia. Bangkok Airways operates scheduled flights and owns three airports.

Philanthropy

While specific figures on philanthropy are unavailable, Prasert's contributions extend to supporting the development of healthcare and transportation sectors in Thailand.

Career Milestones

1968

Founded Bangkok Airways

Established Thailand's first private aviation company.

1972

Cofounded Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS)

Established what is now Thailand's largest private healthcare group.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Diversification

Creating value through long-term investments in multiple sectors, primarily healthcare and aviation.

Patient-Centric Approach

Focusing on patient needs and ensuring high-quality services in healthcare.

Controversies & Challenges

2019

Insider Trading Fine

Fined 500 million baht by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand for insider trading of Bangkok Airways shares.