In Pictures: World's Richest Royals Fortune: $30 billion (down $5 billion)

In Pictures: World's Richest Royals

Read the full story Devon Pendleton, Tatiana Serafin and Cristina von Zeppelin

© Chumsak Kanoknan/Getty Images King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand Fortune: $30 billion (down $5 billion) Age: 81 World's longest-reigning monarch is revered like a demigod on par with Buddha. U.S.-born, Swiss-educated ruler remains unifying force in an increasingly politically tumultuous state divided among the elite, middle and rural classes. The declining economy, which slipped into recession in the first quarter, may fuel further tensions. Monarch's wealth is held in trust for the state and includes public investments in companies such as Siam Cement and Siam Commercial Bank as well as vast land holdings, including some 3,500 acres in Bangkok managed by the Crown Property Bureau. Thai government officials stress these holdings are not the king's personal wealth, but held in trust for the state.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/17/monarchs-wealth-scandal-business-billionaires-richest-royals_slide_2.html