During a recent visit to Chiang Mai, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his belief in the city’s potential to emerge as a prominent digital startup hub within Southeast Asia. He highlighted Chiang Mai as a favored destination for digital nomads and a thriving creative city on a global scale.
According to Mr. Srettha, during a discussion with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Thailand was acknowledged for hosting over 300,000 application developers from various parts of the world, positioning it as the second-largest hub for developers in Southeast Asia.
Chiang Mai, being one of the top 10 locations for digital nomads globally, accommodates around 5,000 professionals engaged in various business activities. The government has recently approved substantial changes to visa regulations, introducing the Destination Thailand Visa tailored for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, as well as individuals interested in learning muay Thai and Thai cuisine. This multiple-entry visa will be valid for five years, offering stays of up to 180 days with the option for extension.
Previously, digital nomads were limited to a 60-day stay in the country before having to reapply.
Emphasizing the government’s dedication to enhancing digital skills within the workforce, Mr. Srettha proposed the establishment of an Apple developer academy in Chiang Mai. The government aims to bolster the startup ecosystem by providing more funding opportunities, supporting new and existing startups, revising laws to foster development, and organizing events like hackathons.
Additionally, plans are underway by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to revitalize the Baan Tawai handicraft art center, a once-popular tourist attraction in the province that suffered setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts will be made to attract new buyers, secure funding for enhancements, and host tourism promotion events later in the year to draw more visitors to Chiang Mai.
In a bid to promote tourism further, the government unveiled a new campaign targeting 55 additional cities beyond Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya as “ideal destinations” for travelers looking to explore more of Thailand. Encouraging longer stays, Mr. Srettha highlighted regions like Lamphun, Lampang, and Phrae as potential extensions for tourists, emphasizing the positive economic impact of lengthier stays on the local economy.
