Early Life and Education
Sarath Ratanavadi was born in Bangkok on July 12, 1965, into a military family. His father was a General in the Royal Thai Armed Forces. He attended Vajiravudh College and later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Chulalongkorn University. He furthered his studies at the University of Southern California, where he obtained a Master of Science in Engineering Management. These formative years laid the groundwork for his strategic mindset and global outlook.
Rise to Success
Ratanavadi's entrepreneurial journey began in 1994 when he founded Gulf Electric Company Limited, marking his entry into Thailand's liberalizing power sector. Over the years, he expanded the company, establishing affiliated power companies. In 2017, Gulf Energy Development went public, marking a significant milestone in Thailand's largest initial public offering in a decade.
Key Business Strategies
Sarath Ratanavadi is known for his strategic business acumen, including diversification. He has expanded into telecommunications and digital infrastructure by acquiring stakes in Intouch Holdings and its mobile telecom subsidiary, Advanced Info Service (AIS). In 2025, he merged Gulf Energy Development with Intouch Holdings to form Gulf Development, valued at $25 billion. That same year, Gulf expanded its operations into finance and acquired a stake in Kasikornbank, Thailand's third-largest bank.
Philanthropy
Ratanavadi is involved in various charitable initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development. He serves as the Chairman of the NIST International School Foundation in Bangkok, supporting educational access.