Meet the super-rich Thai pensioner who is the country's best-known philanthropist

An affluent socialite known for her flamboyant outfits is also Thailand's most famous philanthropist.

Sumanee Gunakasem, 87, branded the 'billionnaire Barbie of Thailand', has made a name for herself not only for her doll-like appearance - frequently appearing in parties wearing blonde wigs, stylish gowns, and a full face of make-up - but also for her charity work involving animals.

However, despite the wealth and fame she now enjoys, life hasn't always been comfortable.

The pensioner said she survived the war in Penang, Malaysia, where her father worked as a consul general, when she was just a toddler.

She moved back to Thailand and finished 12th grade at 15 years old, after which she was sent to London in the United Kingdom 'to learn independence.'

She said: 'I was his only child. He was afraid of spoiling me. He wanted me to experience some hardship.'

Sumanee added that unlike at home, she had to learn to do chores by herself in the UK.

After finishing her schooling, Sumanee married former diplomat Pracha Guna-Kasem, and the pair flew to different countries for his work.

Sumanee said: 'We attended people's parties, and sometimes we also had to organise them too. Diplomats had to entertain each other, and I had to do my best for Thailand's image.'

Decades of being in the media spotlight cemented Sumanee's reputation in high society.

Following a successful battle with uterus cancer in 2017, the billionaire Barbie said she now understands the importance of health over wealth.

She said: 'Health is the most important thing, even more than money. It is important to everybody, even the young. I think if I knew sooner and took better care of myself I'd be stronger than I am now.'

VIDEO SUBTITLES

0.50 My father was the consul general in Penang. That was during the Second World War and I was three years old

1.00 There was war going on while I was there. Penang was a British crown territory

1.08 The Japanese came and Penang was in ruins. All over the island. There was no food to eat and we didn't have a bunker

1.21 We weren't ready. So we took out a bathtub and made it a bunker. We dug a hole

1.32 And stayed in there for 9 days and 9 nights. There was nothing to eat. The war continued. Luckily Plaek Phibunsongkhram made an alliance with the Japanese. We were allowed to move back

1.48 We came back through Hat Yai by train. On our way home there were guns being shot everywhere

1.57 One of my caregiver had a cleft lip from an injury because of the bullet

2.06 I've lived my life to the fullest. I was born and saw the world. I was 15 when I completed 12th grade. I was a year faster

2.15 Then my father made me go to the UK. I was his only child. He was afraid of spoiling me

2.25 He wanted me to have some hardship. Because it was after the Second World War, my livelihood wasn't wast

2.37 I woke up and cried because I missed home everyday. Now when I think of those times I want to go back

2.43 You're not living comfortably like how everybody thinks. They think 'oh you're going abroad, you're going to th UK'

2.54 It's not comfortable. I was an only child so when I was thirsty, I had servants serving me water. When I was home

3.01 When I went there I had to do it all by myself. When I climb into the bathtub I had to clean it up and also clean it after

3.11 When I leave the room I have to switch off the lights and made sure everything was close

3.17 I had to do things on my own. It's fun but it was tiring. Then I got married to my husband. He was also a diplomat

3.28 I had to follow my husband around. Move homes from country to country. Then attend parties

3.39 We attend people's party so we also have to organise a party for them too. Diplomats had to entertain each other

3.51 And I had to do my best for Thailand's image. I take care of those around me

3.58 I made sure people inside my house are well taken care of. I take care of my servants well

4.05 I want to make sure they're okay. I'm not so wealthy to take care of every person in the country

4.15 So I take care of those around me. I take care of animals like cats, dogs. I take care of hundreds of stray animals

4.25 There are about 40 stray cats downstairs. I don't know what to do when they have kittens

4.35 We had to sterilise them and made sure they live well. Since I'm taking care of them already

4.42 As for dogs, I take care of hundreds of them. I'm open to funding those with a good heart. I just hope what I give doesn't just disappear and do no good

4.55 I work hard for that money so I want to give it to those who do things to benefit humanity

5.08 It could be in research. Health is the most important. Even more than money

5.15 Health is important to everybody. Even if you're young. I think if I knew sooner and took care of myself I'd be stronger than I am now

5.34 I might live longer. Life is reducing everyday. There's value in time of that one day

5.47 There's value in half a day too. If you're sick you sacrifice those time of having fun outside

5.54 Your life is diminishing everyday. It's just gone. It doesn't come back. It's gone

6.04 Whether it's hardship or pain. Those are life's gifts that you get to experience it all