General Discussion

Amerigo Vespucci

(30,885 posts) Sat Mar 17, 2012, 01:53 PM Mar 2012

Thai billionaire who created Red Bull dies at 89

Thai billionaire who created Red Bull dies at 89

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20120317/as-thailand-obit-red-bull-creator/

BANGKOK — State media in Thailand say the self-made Thai billionaire who created the renowned Red Bull energy drink three decades ago has died. He was 89.

Thai state television broadcaster MCOT says that Chaleo Yoovidhya died of natural causes on Saturday. It cited an executive at the Thai Beverage Industry Association.

Chaleo founded T.C. Pharmaceuticals. In the 1970s, it formulated an energy drink prototype called Krathing Daeng, or Red Bull in English. It was popular among Thai truck drivers and laborers.

Chaleo then co-founded a company in 1984 with an Austrian partner who helped turn Red Bull into a global brand.

6 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Thai billionaire who created Red Bull dies at 89 (Original Post) Amerigo Vespucci Mar 2012 OP

Wait, I thought self-made billionaires were only possible in America Duer 157099 Mar 2012 #1

Well, at least he can't create another disgusting, godawful drink MadHound Mar 2012 #2

I think it is nasty. I'd rather drink a strong cup o' coffee. Odin2005 Mar 2012 #4

I TOLD him to lay off that shit. HopeHoops Mar 2012 #3

Did it give him wings? n/t customerserviceguy Mar 2012 #5

I tried one, once. Nasty tasting crap. Ikonoklast Mar 2012 #6

Duer 157099

(17,742 posts)

1. Wait, I thought self-made billionaires were only possible in America

Reply to Amerigo Vespucci (Original post)

Sat Mar 17, 2012, 01:59 PM

Mar 2012

They've been lying to us.

MadHound

(34,179 posts)

2. Well, at least he can't create another disgusting, godawful drink

Reply to Amerigo Vespucci (Original post)

Sat Mar 17, 2012, 02:03 PM

Mar 2012

I don't get the Red Bull phenomenon. It tastes like that old, nasty codeine cough syrup I took when I was a kid, and you get as much "energy" out of it as you do a can of soda or cup of coffee.

But I guess it is another triumph of marketing. Make something cool enough and people will come and drink, even though it tastes like shit.