Inside the most expensive yachts in the world are interiors and decking made of teak, a tropical hardwood that is desired for its resistance to water and rot, and due to the fact that it has become a status symbol for the rich. The thing is, they shouldn’t have it, and now the richest assholes in the world are looking for a new material that they can flex, according to the BBC.

As of 2021, it is illegal to import teak into the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The reason is twofold. First, teak contributes to deforestation, which damages the ecosystem of the Southeast Asian country. But let’s be real, the Jeff Bezoses of the world don’t really care about that. The main reason that teak is (well, should be) out is because it is known that the teak trade is funding the military junta that took over Myanmar by force in 2021—the same military that committed genocide against the Rohingya people.

Western governments quickly tried to cut funding through issued sanctions against Myanmarincluding several state-owned timber companies known as the main exporter of teak. That was a real buzzkill for the yachting class, but it didn’t stop them either. In 2023, The Guardian reported that many US companies continue to import teak originating from Myanmar.

Some shipbuilders are also breaking the restrictions. UK based Sunseeker got fined for the use of Myanmar teak in 2024, and Dutch shipyard Oceanco acquired stabbed for the same offense for superyacht it was built for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Why these companies continue to use teak is probably quite simple. Bezos’ yacht is worth $500 million. The teak fine was $157,000. They can just tack that on the bill.

Despite this, it appears that the industry is finally starting to turn its back on teak, according to the BBC– not for any moral reason it seems, but because the pre-sanctions teak stockpile will eventually run out. Sunreef Yachts, based in Poland and Dubai, Office has partnered that it will completely eliminate teak, opting for other wood and non-wood alternatives. It is believed that, Google co-founder Sergey Bryn and Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets and a suite of hotels and restaurants, both took alternative options for their new yacht projects. According to the BBCBryn uses more sustainable wood in his yacht’s helipad, so be sure to thank him for his sacrifice when you see him.

Let’s all know what the conflicts of funds will be in the not too distant future.