On a balmy evening last year at the Kamalaya wellness sanctuary in Thailand, the resort manager welcomed guests to a talk on longevity and anti-ageing medicine. The first speaker was a Thai doctor with impeccable credentials. The second was the resort’s owner, Chakrit Sakunkrit, who is better known as Christopher Harborne. And Harborne doesn’t only own a resort – he could be one of the richest people alive.
The Secretive Billionaire Bankrolling Nigel Farage
The Guardian’s investigations correspondent, Tom Burgis, tells Helen Pidd that Harborne is by far and away the biggest donor to Nigel Farage, stumping up two-thirds of Reform UK’s funding. One of the donations was also the largest single donation by a living donor to a British political party ever.
Burgis explains that Harborne is intensely private and does not give interviews. He tells Pidd how he made his money and what he has gleaned about his ambitions. The crypto tycoon has given millions to Farage’s political parties, raising questions about what he wants in return.
Who Is Christopher Harborne?
Harborne, also known as Chakrit Sakunkrit, is a Thai-born British businessman who made his fortune in cryptocurrency and aviation. He owns a wellness resort in Thailand and is known for his reclusive nature. Despite his immense wealth, he avoids public scrutiny and rarely appears in the media.
Record-Breaking Donations to Reform UK
Harborne’s donations to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party have been unprecedented. They account for two-thirds of the party’s funding, making him the single largest donor. One donation even set a record as the largest ever from a living individual to a British political party.
These financial contributions have sparked debate about the influence of wealthy donors on British politics. Critics argue that such large sums can undermine democratic processes, while supporters claim they are a legitimate form of political expression.
What Does Harborne Want?
Burgis notes that Harborne’s motivations remain unclear. He has not publicly stated his political goals, but his backing of Farage suggests a shared vision for Brexit and populist policies. Some speculate that Harborne seeks to shape UK policy on cryptocurrency regulation, given his business interests.
As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about Harborne’s connections and ambitions. For now, he remains a shadowy figure in the world of political finance.
