Benzes used by royals raise over 234 million baht

By ThaiDay

24 July 2006

The 40 Mercedes-Benzes used by visiting royal dignitaries during His Majesty the King’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations last month brought in more than 234 million baht when they were put up for auction yesterday.

After cost deductions, 5.78 million baht will be donated to His Majesty’s charities in the names of those who won the bidding.

Suchinda Cherdchai, the Inter-provincial Bus Operators’ Association president, was among the 60 individuals who participated in the auction, organized by Christie’s.

She acquired the car used by the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, for 11.2 million baht, bidding for which had begun at 10.5 million baht.

The S-Class used by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan fetched the highest price of 11.85 million baht, paid by Benz-Ratchakrue Plc, one of the country’s largest Mercedes dealers.

The company bought four vehicles at yesterday’s auction.

The car used by the Crown Prince of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk had been expected to get the highest price, given the prince’s popularity among the Thai public.

“Since we have never held such an event before, it was hard for us to determine what the final bidding prices would be,” said Chatvithai Tantrapornn, a Daimler-Chrysler spokesman, yesterday.

Of the 28 S-Class Benzes imported from Germany, 10 remained unsold and will go to private dealers to be sold to the general public.

Thai Day

Royal ride Prasert Sukkhi shows the Mercedes-Benz S350L used by heartthrob Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan during the recent celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. Prasert bid Bt11.1 million for the luxury vehicle. DaimlerChrysler (Thailand) Ltd yesterday auctioned off the Mercedes that transported visiting monarchs during the festivities. The highest bid was Bt11.8 million for an S350L used by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan.

The Nation

The S-Class used by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan went to Benz-Ratchakrue Plc for 11.85 million baht.