Editor, Writer, Researcher
At a time when European banks would only loan to non-whites on crippling terms—if at all—Chin Sophonpanich was renowned for placing his trust in promising Chinese entrepreneurs throughout Southeast Asia. Among his protegés who rose to become dollar multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons were Malaysia’s Robert Kuok and Indonesia’s Liem Sioe Liong.
The bureau's other assets are easier to value. Its 30% share in the Siam Cement Group, the country's second-largest company, is worth $1.9 billion and its 25% share in Siam Commercial Bank is worth $1.1 billion. As of July it also owns virtually all of Deves Insurance, worth $65 million, and stakes in various other public and private companies that Aviruth says are worth $600 million.
The problem with Rocket's statement is that Easy Taxi completely shut down operations in Hong Kong, Indonesia and India, as well as in Taiwan, back in December 2014. Also in December, Easy Taxi scaled back in Malaysia by laying off at least 20 staff members.
The boys stay in a family-owned building directly across the street from the Menam Riverside Hotel and take meals in a hotel staff canteen. Malee's seven children help out with supervision and field trips.
Regardless, it's safe to say that PricePanda Thailand occupies dead last place with a share way below 1%, according to SimilarWeb. It was launched a year ago this month by the German startup conglomerate Rocket Internet.
Susan J Cunningham 