Billionaire Profile
Prayudh Mahagitsiri
Global Rank
#2539

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Prayudh Mahagitsiri

CEO, PM Group
TH
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.4B
As of December 2025
Age
79
Source
Coffee, shipping
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
TH

Biography

Prayudh Mahagitsiri, a prominent figure in Thailand's business landscape, is a 79-year-old entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio spanning coffee, shipping, and various other industries. His career is marked by pioneering ventures and significant contributions to Thailand's industrial development. His source of wealth primarily stems from his involvement in the coffee and shipping industries. Mahagitsiri has held key leadership positions in several major companies and has a current net worth of $1.4 billion. His achievements include establishing several 'first-in-Thailand' projects and contributing to Thailand's economic growth.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Prayudh Mahagitsiri's grandfather emigrated from southern China to Thailand and started a business trading foodstuffs and later imported Japanese-made tuk-tuks. Prayudh himself earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego, USA.

Rise to Success

Prayudh Mahagitsiri is best known as "Thailand's coffee king", who established the first instant coffee factory in Thailand and partnered with Nestlé. His company, Quality Coffee Products Ltd., was the sole producer of Nescafé instant coffee and canned liquid coffee in Thailand. He has also been involved in various other sectors, including shipping and property development.

Key Business Strategies

Mahagitsiri's business strategy has focused on innovation, establishing joint ventures, and diversifying his business interests. His long-standing partnership with Nestlé, which lasted 35 years, highlights his ability to create successful business relationships. He has expanded into various sectors, from steel to property, to ensure stability for his family business.

Philanthropy

Prayudh Mahagitsiri has been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors, including donating funds to the Siriraj Hospital, and to the Eastern Institute of Technology for academic purposes, and other charitable organizations. He also provided financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Career Milestones

1973

Founded Quality Coffee Products Ltd.

Established the first instant coffee factory in Thailand and partnered with Nestle.

1997

Senator

Served as a Senator.

2013

Honorary Chairman of Thoresen Thai Agencies PCL

Appointed as Honorary Chairman, providing guidance and advice.

2022

Awarded as the National Exemplary Father

Received the National Exemplary Father Award of 2022

2024

Nestle Partnership Ended

Joint venture with Nestle ended.

2025

Convicted of Corruption

Sentenced to 24 years in prison for land encroachment in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

Donations to Siriraj Hospital

$0.8B

Provided financial support.

Disaster Relief

COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance

$4M

Financial assistance to society.

Education

Prayudh-Suvimol Foundation

$0.028M

Provided to the Eastern Institute of Technology for academic purposes.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"When you have stake in a company it's your baby. You have to take more care of your baby. It's your blood in it."

Leadership Principles

Discipline and Responsibility

Emphasizes the importance of discipline, attentiveness, and responsibility in work.

Courage to Think Outside the Box

Encourages innovative thinking to achieve success in business.

Controversies & Challenges

2002

Disqualification as a Senator

Disqualified for failing to fully disclose his assets.

2007

Disqualification After Party Dissolution

Disqualified after the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved.

2023

Krabi Land Grab

Sentenced to 2 years and 8 months over the illegal issuance of land deeds in Krabi.

2025

Land Encroachment and Corruption

Sentenced to 24 years in prison for colluding with state officials to encroach upon protected forest in Nakhon Ratchasima province.