Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered an inspiring speech at the inauguration of a tourism event during his visit to the picturesque province of Chiang Mai on Saturday. (Photo: Thai Khu Fah Facebook)
During this eventful visit, Mr. Srettha expressed his strong belief in Chiang Mai’s potential to evolve into a leading digital startup hub within Southeast Asia. He assured that the government stands ready to support the province in realizing this ambitious goal. Lauding the city, he described it as a haven for digital nomads and one of the most creative cities in the world.
Reflecting on a memorable conversation with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., Mr. Srettha shared that Thailand is home to over 300,000 application developers from around the globe, making it the second largest in Southeast Asia. This, he pointed out, underscores the country’s burgeoning digital prowess.
Chiang Mai itself ranks among the world’s top 10 destinations for digital nomads, hosting around 5,000 of these tech-savvy professionals. To bolster this thriving digital scene, Mr. Srettha expressed a desire to see an Apple developer academy established in the city.
Addressing the broader ecosystem needs for digital startups, the Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to providing more matching funds, supporting both new and established startups financially, amending laws to foster their growth, and organizing engaging events such as hackathons. These efforts aim to create a robust foundation for innovative enterprises.
On a different note, Mr. Srettha urged the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to focus on rejuvenating the Baan Tawai handicraft art center, one of the province’s cherished attractions. The center suffered immensely during the Covid-19 pandemic and is yet to bounce back. The center has reached out to the PM for assistance in finding new buyers for their exquisite crafts and securing additional funds to enhance the landscape.
In a reassuring promise, Mr. Srettha announced that the government will organize tourism promotion events in Chiang Mai during the fourth quarter of this year, aimed at drawing more Thai and international tourists to the province. This initiative envisions breathing new life into the local tourism sector.
In other exciting news, Mr. Srettha launched the government’s latest tourism promotion campaign for an additional 55 cities across the country, known as “ideal destinations.” This adds new choices beyond the traditional favorites like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
He encouraged tourists to extend their stay by exploring destinations such as Lamphun, Lampang, and Phrae, emphasizing that the longer visitors stay, the more they contribute to the local economy.
With a blend of forward-thinking initiatives and a genuine drive to revitalize both the digital and tourism sectors, Mr. Srettha’s visit to Chiang Mai was not only a beacon of hope but also a call to action for local and international stakeholders alike.
Wow, Chiang Mai as a digital startup hub sounds amazing! This could really put Thailand on the tech map.
I agree, but do they really have the infrastructure for such an ambitious goal?
Good point. It would take considerable investment and time to get there.
They certainly have the talent, though. 300,000 app developers is no small number.
Absolutely! The talent pool is there, just needs proper nurturing.
Plus, attracting foreign talent is equally important. The city has to be livable.
I’m skeptical. Politicians often make big promises but rarely follow through.
A healthy skepticism isn’t unwarranted, but some politicians do deliver on their visions.
True. It’s a wait-and-see game for now.
Why focus on digital startups when traditional sectors like handicrafts are struggling?
Diversifying the economy is crucial. Handicrafts can coexist with tech.
Plus, more focus on tech could actually bring more tourists interested in both.
Establishing an Apple developer academy in Chiang Mai could be a game changer. Hope it happens!
Yeah, but isn’t it ironic that an American company needs to come in to boost Thai innovation?
True, but the collaboration could beneficial for both parties.
More focus should be put on the environment while developing these digital hubs.
Agree! Sustainable development should be a priority.
Extending tourist stays is great, but what about locals feeling pushed aside by rising living costs?
That’s a concern. Tourism can be a double-edged sword.
Hopefully, there will be measures to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Revitalizing Baan Tawai handicraft art center is also essential. Local culture shouldn’t be overshadowed by tech.
Definitely! It’s part of the local charm and identity.
Cultural preservation and modernization can actually go hand in hand.
Why should we care about developers and digital nomads? Not like they help the average person.
They contribute to the economy, creating jobs through startups and innovation.
I love the idea of having more ‘ideal destinations’. Thailand has so much to offer beyond the main cities.
Yes! More tourists exploring diverse areas can spread out the economic benefits.
Hackathons and matching funds are a smart move to encourage more startups.
True, and it’s these kinds of initiatives that can really kickstart innovation.
More tourism promotion means more crowded places. Hope they manage it well.
I share that concern. Overcrowding could diminish the experience for everyone.
Does anyone else think this sounds like a PR stunt to mask deeper issues?
It does have that feel, but if actions back up the words, it could be more than just PR.
Chiang Mai’s natural beauty is also a big draw. Hope they preserve this while urbanizing.
Government support for innovation is crucial, but private sector partnerships can accelerate progress.
Small cities getting spotlight sounds nice but they need better infrastructure first.