Ayawat Srivaddhanaprabha, also known as Top, has been with Leicester City Football Club for over 15 years, starting as vice chairman when his father's The King Power International Group took over from late, former owner Milan Mandaric, who had overseen the club's rise from League One to the EFL Championship.
Mandaric's tenure did not bring the desired further promotion fans hoped for, and while the arrival of key figures signalled turning tides, it was Nigel Pearson at the helm who guided the Foxes to the Premier League. He laid foundations for the historic Premier League title win even though he left before that triumph following controversy linked to his son whilst in Thailand - the homeland of the new owners.
The famous "Great Escape" of the 2014-15 season took place during the infancy of Top's time as VC, where his main role was bridging the gap between the Thai ownership group and the club. Alongside John Rudkin, who served as Vichai's trusted right-hand man, and continues in that capacity for Top today.
Following Vichai's tragic passing in a helicopter crash at King Power Stadium after a match against West Ham United in 2018, Top was officially appointed chairman in 2019. Having long been seen as the destined successor.
Under Top's leadership, the Leicestershire team secured long-awaited success, including a maiden FA Cup triumph that fulfilled a major wish of the fan base. Not to mention another European campaign and a run to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
However, fortunes declined sharply over the following three to four years, with clear red flags appearing in poor signings such as Jannik Vestergaard, Ryan Bertrand and Patson Daka - in one window. While the reliance on just Wout Faes as a key addition another year should have alerted supporters to deeper problems at the club.
Aiyawatt "Top" Srivaddhanaprabha loses interest in Leicester City Football Club
The transfer situation exposed serious financial difficulties in LE2, with subsequent windows bringing only loans and free transfers, a situation that culminated in relegation from the Premier League. Upon the subsequent drop to League One being confirmed, Top (slightly bravely) faced a group of supporters, stating he would invest his own funds, that Leicester would always come first for him, and that he was determined not to leave the club in a worse position than he found it, but rather in the best possible standing.
"Khun Top’s interest has drifted, visibly in terms of his scarce appearances at King Power Stadium. “Maybe it’s my fault, I used to talk to the fans and the media, but I have responsibilities here in Thailand a lot,” he acknowledged last November."i
It appears, however, that struggles in Thailand's duty-free business (where their former monopoly no longer exists) combined with Top' other interests, commercial or otherwise (such as playing polo with Prince William) have reduced his engagement with the Foxes. This was evidenced by a sharp drop in his match attendance during the difficult years up until 2025/26; the lack of interest sentiment was confirmed in an article by The i Paper.
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