Yotchanan announced good news that Thailand has entered the Top 50 cities with the best startup ecosystems worldwide, while Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket have become magnet cities attracting startups to Thailand.
On 20 May 2026 GMT+7, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (NIA), revealed the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026 results by StartupBlink, a platform researching and analyzing global startup ecosystems across 120 countries and over 1,500 cities. This year, Thailand improved to 49th globally, entering the Top 50 for the first time in six years and ranking 4th in Southeast Asia, with a startup ecosystem growth rate of 62.6%. Thailand also ranked best in ASEAN for supporting MedTech startups. Bangkok moved up to 76th globally and 4th in ASEAN, claiming 1st place in Robotics in ASEAN (17th globally). Chiang Mai and Phuket grew by 91.6% and 85.9%, respectively. Additionally, four new high-potential cities—Pattaya, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, and Nakhon Pathom—were added, making Thailand the country with the third most ranked cities in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), said this is a source of pride for Thailand's innovation sector. The Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026 by StartupBlink shows Thailand rising to 49th globally and entering the Top 50 for the first time in six years, ranking 4th in Southeast Asia after Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This reflects the development of Thai cities and innovation ecosystems driven by government policies in science, research, technology, and innovation, supported by the public sector, academia, and private sector, continuously fostering ecosystems conducive to innovation business growth. The government prioritizes developing an innovation-based economy and tech entrepreneurship, viewing startups not just as new businesses but as a key engine for new growth in the digital economy, target industries, skilled jobs, and global competitiveness. Thailand's entry into the global Top 50 and leading MedTech position in Southeast Asia (8th worldwide), along with Bangkok's leading role in Robotics regionally, signals growing confidence from investors, entrepreneurs, and international innovation networks.
Currently, MHESI and NIA are accelerating efforts to promote and build the country's innovation ecosystem through key initiatives such as Area-based Innovation Ecosystems, Matching Fund & University Holding Company, community Makerspaces, expanding Startup Thailand League, and systematic intellectual property management. These efforts aim to develop DeepTech startups and advanced technology industries in strategic fields like MedTech, AI, Robotics, Climate Tech, and FoodTech, alongside cultivating highly skilled human resources, commercial research and development, and linking collaboration among education, industry, and investment sectors. The goal is to create a new knowledge-, technology-, and innovation-driven economic engine, propelling Thailand toward becoming a full-fledged “Innovation Nation.” .
Dr. Yotchanan added that a notable point from the ranking is Thailand's rise as a leader in MedTech startups. This reflects the country's readiness to develop in line with global trends toward the Wellness Economy, seen as Thailand's future economic engine. Domestic entrepreneurs possess knowledge and innovation capabilities to develop new technologies addressing medical and health market demands. However, challenges remain, including funding support, access to innovation testing opportunities before product development, and a lack of connected support networks for growth. The government is ready to support collaboration across public, private, academic, and investor sectors to create opportunities aligned with the goal of becoming a high-income country through research and innovation.
Dr. Kritphaka Boonfuang, Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), said this year's rankings reflect multifaceted growth in Thailand's startup ecosystem. Thailand not only entered the global Top 50 for the first time in six years but also achieved the 4th fastest growth rate among the Top 50 at 62.6% (2nd in Southeast Asia). This highlights Thai entrepreneurs' potential, expanding technology investments, and strong startup networks nationwide. Thailand also ranked 2nd in Asia-Pacific for Startup Community Activity, reflecting ongoing growth in innovation activities and entrepreneurial communities. This year marks clear structural development in Thailand's innovation ecosystem, including stronger connections among entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and support agencies, plus expanded innovation activities across regions—key factors boosting Thailand's higher ranking.
Bangkok is Thailand’s startup hub, rising five places to 76th globally and 4th in Southeast Asia, and ranks 1st in Robotics regionally and 17th worldwide. Secondary cities like Phuket and Chiang Mai have seen rapid growth, showing innovation ecosystem expansion across the country. This demonstrates these cities' potential to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads from around the world to establish businesses and innovations in Thailand. StartupBlink’s ranking criteria include 1) Quantity Score—ecosystem activity volume such as number of startups, investors, accelerators, co-working spaces, and ecosystem participants; 2) Quality Score—ecosystem quality and impact like unicorn growth, investment, tech company strength, and global influence; and 3) Startup Business Environment Score—business environment readiness including infrastructure, regulations, internet quality, business climate, talent availability, and support services.
Currently, Thailand is not just a tourist destination but an important hub for technology entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads worldwide who come to live, work, and build businesses, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. These cities offer strong infrastructure, quality of life, and growing creative entrepreneurial communities. NIA plans to develop "Ari Innovation District" as Thailand’s startup community center to strengthen the national startup ecosystem internationally. This will connect knowledge, funding, technology, and global innovation networks, creating new economic opportunities for the country’s future. Therefore, Thailand’s growth is not only about rankings but signals that its innovation ecosystem is growing internationally as a clear Global Startup Hub. NIA will continue collaborating with all sectors to create new opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs, connect the country to global innovation networks, and sustainably advance Thailand as a Startup Nation,” Dr. Kritphaka concluded.