Bangkok builds global partnerships for growth and liveability

Bangkok is seeking to deepen ties with diplomats, international organisations and major global businesses as part of a wider drive to improve the capital’s liveability, attract investment and strengthen its position as an international economic hub.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials welcomed ambassadors, newly appointed diplomats and representatives of international organisations to “Friends of Bangkok: Connecting Global Partners for Livable City & Prosperity” at Lumphini Hall in Lumphini Park, Pathum Wan district.

The reception, held at 5.30pm on Friday (August 14), was designed to strengthen relationships and expand cooperation on Bangkok’s development with diplomatic missions, international organisations and leading global businesses.

Bangkok sets out vision for second term

The gathering also served as a platform for the BMA as it enters the governor’s second term, with the administration reaffirming its “Bangkok 9 Goods” policy of creating a liveable city for everyone.

The BMA aims to build on Bangkok’s established status as a major tourism destination and develop the capital further as a “City of Opportunity and Hope”. Bangkok is also seeking to attract investors, highly skilled talent and international partners as partners in the city’s development under its “Partnership for the City” approach.

Diplomats, newly appointed ambassadors and representatives of international organisations were given the opportunity to meet BMA executives, hear the city’s vision, exchange views and propose ideas for Bangkok’s economic development.

Smart city services connect people and businesses

Chadchart outlined Bangkok’s progress and future plans, including its smart city programme and the expansion of digital platforms intended to make public services easier for residents and businesses to access.

Among the key services highlighted were Traffy Fondue, BMA OSS and Invest Bangkok, which form part of the administration’s effort to make interactions with government more convenient and accessible.

The city is also promoting the creative economy across 50 neighbourhoods, aiming to spread economic activity into local communities, highlight distinctive local identities and develop different types of creative hubs in historic areas, community neighbourhoods and commercial districts.

Bangkok plans to stage 12 creative festivals throughout the year to stimulate economic activity and promote culture, including the Bangkok Theater Festival, Pride Month, Night at the Museum and a range of arts performances.

Invest Bangkok targets easier business procedures

The BMA is also working to streamline regulations and reduce obstacles facing businesses.

Its invest.bangkok.go.th platform is being developed as a central point for business facilitation, covering services including business registration, construction permits and expedited local licence applications.

At the same time, the administration is developing a digital procurement system aimed at reducing administrative procedures, improving efficiency and increasing transparency in public-sector management.

Liveability placed at heart of investment strategy

Improving quality of life is another part of Bangkok’s strategy to attract skilled talent from around the world.

The administration is upgrading footpaths and pedestrian bridges, continuously expanding green spaces and tackling recurring flooding through canal dredging and improvements to drainage systems. These measures are also intended to help protect property and maintain business continuity.

Bangkok is additionally seeking to create a more connected and accessible transport system through online platforms, while using urban planning to develop new economic districts.

The BMA is working with foreign chambers of commerce to adjust infrastructure to meet investors’ needs, while also pursuing opportunities to co-host global events and strengthen the city’s business ecosystem to connect new investors with the domestic market.

Global business leaders highlight Bangkok’s potential

International business leaders and specialists also shared their perspectives on Bangkok during special addresses at the event.

They included Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, and Thanet Chanchareon of Alstom Transport Systems (Thailand), who discussed why global businesses choose Bangkok as a base for economic activity and the city’s potential to become more sustainable.

Daniel Leo Horn-Patthanothai, an international specialist in sustainable development and climate change, spoke about the selection of Bangkok as the venue for Bangkok Climate Action Week, reflecting the capital’s role in international discussions on urban development and responses to climate change.

Embassies, UN agencies and businesses join network

The event drew representatives from the embassies of Belgium, Canada and Italy, alongside international organisations including the United Nations, UNESCO, UNDP, UN-Habitat, World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and JETRO Bangkok. 

Business and investment networks represented at the event included the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) and Business France, while GIZ was among the international development organisations present. 

Private-sector participants included Google, TikTok, Agoda and Alstom.

Friends of Bangkok seeks stronger international confidence

Through the Friends of Bangkok network, the BMA aims not only to deepen ties with sister cities and international partners but also to strengthen confidence in Bangkok’s potential, improve residents’ quality of life and open further opportunities in investment, the creative economy and other forms of international cooperation.

The broader goal is to develop Bangkok into a more liveable metropolis with greater economic opportunities and the capacity to grow sustainably on the international stage.