Chaleo Yoovidhya
Chaleo Yoovidhya | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Thailand |
| Died | March 17, 2012 (aged 88) Bangkok, Thailand |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, investor |
| Known for | Inventing Krating Daeng; co-founding Red Bull |
Chaleo Yoovidhya (, born 17 August 1923 – passed away 17 March 2012) was a prominent Thai entrepreneur and investor, recognized for inventing Krating Daeng and co-establishing the globally renowned Red Bull energy drink brand. At the time of his passing, he ranked as Thailand's third wealthiest individual, with an estimated fortune of US$5 billion.
Background
There is some discrepancy regarding Chaleo's birth year and birthplace, with accounts varying between 1922 and 1932, and locations cited in either central or northern Thailand. He was the son of impoverished Chinese immigrants from Phichit Province. Due to limited formal schooling, he initially assisted his family before relocating to Bangkok, where he worked as a salesperson for antibiotics. During the early 1960s, he founded TC Pharmaceuticals.
In 1976, motivated by what he described as a "divine" inspiration, Chaleo created an energy drink branded with a logo depicting two charging red bulls (actually wild gaurs native to Southeast Asia). Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz discovered that the beverage helped mitigate his jet lag and joined forces with Chaleo in 1984. They introduced the "Red Bull" brand internationally in 1987, modifying the original recipe to suit Western consumers. Both partners contributed US$500,000 each, securing equal stakes of 49%, while Chaleo’s son Chalerm retained the remaining 2%.
Chaleo maintained ownership of TC Pharmaceuticals, which manufactured additional energy drinks for the Thai market. Moreover, he held partial ownership in Piyavate Hospital and was co-proprietor of Thailand’s exclusive authorized importer of Ferrari sports cars.
Death
Chaleo passed away in Bangkok on 17 March 2012.
See also
- Death of Wichian Klanprasert, which involves Chaleo's grandson Vorayuth Yoovidhya