Bangkok (AFP)

Gastronomic dishes delivered by a butler, Cartier jewel transported directly from the warehouse, sedan rides before curfew: the super-rich Thai have not given up their lifestyle despite the coronavirus pandemic which leaves millions of unemployed people.

The kingdom is one of the most unequal countries in the world: in 2018, the wealthiest 1% controlled 67% of the country's wealth, according to a Credit Suisse study.

With the epidemic that has shut down large parts of the economy and in particular the essential tourism sector, the gap between the richest and the poorest is likely to widen further.

Out of a population of some 69 million, 22 have already signed up to try to receive monthly government aid of 5,000 baht (140 euros) and many have lost their jobs.

Deprived of income and food, many rely on food aid distributions to survive.

The ultra-rich also left feathers. According to Forbes magazine, the 50 wealthiest people in the country lost a total of nearly 28 billion dollars (26 billion euros) in one year, or 18% of their fortune. In question: the trade war between the United States and China, but also the coronavirus which caused the financial centers to unscrew.

- Lobster and swallow's nest -

This does not prevent them from continuing to lead the big train, without leaving home.

The concierge company Silver Voyage Club no longer brings its customers to the airport since the borders were closed. Wagyu beef tartare, Japanese cuisine haute couture, braised lobster, truffle rice, glazed swallow's nest: its sedans now carry high-end meals concocted by the best tables in Bangkok.

The menus, up to 285 euros per person, can be delivered by a butler with white gloves who sets the table and serves the guests.

"A customer spent more than 3,000 dollars (2,800 euros) for 10 people without the wines," company founder Jakkapun Rattanapet told AFP.

"Another more than 30,000 dollars (28,000 euros) for a piece of jewelry from Cartier. The shops being closed because of the crisis, we had to go directly to the warehouse," he smiles, "nothing is impossible".

Indian chef Gaggan Anand, who worked last year in a two-star Michelin restaurant that has been closed since, satisfies his clientele by concocting small take-out dishes in another establishment.

"I deliver 25 to 30 meals a day to wealthy businessmen and famous actresses," he explains.

And even if some restaurants reopened earlier this week, many are still hesitant to go out for fear of the coronavirus and because of the curfew imposed since the end of March from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Thailand has 27 billionaires, according to Forbes.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha sent a letter to the first twenty of them, asking them to "help their country and its health system in these times of crisis".

© 2020 AFP