Dhanin Chearavanont — From Seed-Seller’s Son to Thai Business Titan

A Humble Beginning with Far-Reaching Roots

Dhanin Chearavanont was born on April 19, 1939 in Bangkok (then Siam), the fourth and youngest son in a Chinese-Thai family.  His family, the Chearavanont family, traces its origins to Shantou, Guangdong, China; in the 1920s, Dhanin’s father, Ekchor Saechia, emigrated to Bangkok, establishing a modest seed and agricultural-supply shop that would eventually evolve into a global conglomerate. 

Instead of resting on his family’s modest beginnings, Dhanin took the reins early. By his late twenties, he assumed leadership of the business — a pivotal moment that transformed a simple seed shop into what would become one of Thailand’s largest private enterprises.

Growth Beyond Agriculture — Vision That Redefined Industries

Under Dhanin’s stewardship, what began as agribusiness rapidly diversified. The founding enterprise evolved into the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), a sprawling multinational conglomerate spanning livestock feed, food production, retail, telecommunications, property development, and more. 

During the late 1970s, as China opened its economy, Dhanin was among the first foreign investors. CP Group established early business footholds in China — a bold move that cemented its position as a key agricultural and commercial partner with far-reaching impact.

Over decades, CP transformed from a locally-rooted agricultural firm into a global player, operating across Asia and Europe with hundreds of thousands of employees.

A Legacy of Wealth — Approaching the Pinnacle of Thai Business

Today, Dhanin Chearavanont is widely recognized as the patriarch of one of Southeast Asia’s richest and most influential business dynasties. The Chearavanont family has repeatedly featured among Asia’s wealthiest families. 

According to the 2025 listing by Forbes, Dhanin — as senior chairman of CP Group — holds a net worth of approximately US$15.2 billion. That same year, the broader family fortune, attributed to the combined holdings of the Chearavanont brothers, was listed at US$35.7 billion.

These figures reflect not only the legacy wealth passed down, but decades of strategic diversification, bold expansions, and consistent management.

Personal Life — Family, Partnership, and Philanthropy

Dhanin Chearavanont was married to Tewee Wattanalikit (also spelled Tawee), who passed away in 2023. The couple had five children, among them Suphachai Chearavanont and Soopakij Chearavanont, who are part of the ongoing leadership of CP Group in successive generations.

Notably, under Dhanin’s guidance CP Group and its affiliates have engaged in significant philanthropic efforts. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company mobilized resources — producing surgical masks and delivering free meals to hospital staff and patients, reflecting a commitment beyond business.

Why Dhanin Chearavanont Stands Out — The Architect of Modern Thai Enterprise

Dhanin’s life story is not one of overnight success. It’s a testament to strategic vision, perseverance, and expansion across decades. From a family-run seed shop to a multinational behemoth, his journey reflects a transformation rooted in deep understanding of both Thai and global markets.

His birthdate — April 19, 1939 — marks the start of a lifetime that has reshaped agriculture, retail, food production, and commerce not just in Thailand, but across Asia. His leadership redefined what a Thai private company could become.

In a realm often dominated by rapid, short-term gains, Dhanin’s steady, generational approach — expanding industries, nurturing family leadership, giving back to society — serves as a model for long-term impact and legacy.