Is Thailand a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Thailand has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Thailand gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Thailand

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Thailand offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Thailand's early-stage funding environment for startups is evolving, with a mix of local and international players. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include 500 TukTuks and Beacon Venture Capital. Government support comes from agencies like the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), which offer grants and programs aimed at fostering innovation and providing initial funding. Angel networks like the Thailand Business Angel Network (TBAN) also play a role in connecting startups with individual investors. Despite positive developments, challenges persist. A significant hurdle is the seed-stage funding gap, as many corporate VCs tend to focus on later-stage investments (Series A and beyond). Competition from established corporations and difficulties in attracting skilled talent are also noted challenges. While seed funding saw a 4% increase year-on-year in 2024, the overall ecosystem, while growing, still lags behind some regional counterparts in terms of startup density and investment volume.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Thailand has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Thailand has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem, particularly centered in Bangkok. The country has a significant level of entrepreneurial activity, with a large percentage of the adult population engaged in some form of entrepreneurship, including many in early stages. Coworking spaces are prevalent, offering flexible workspaces and community for startups, freelancers, and digital nomads across Thailand. Numerous tech events, conferences, and meetups are held regularly, providing networking and learning opportunities. The ecosystem offers support for startups at various stages. Government agencies like the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) provide funding, grants, and support programs. There are also many incubators and accelerators, including both general and industry-specific programs, offering mentorship, resources, and connections. While there are competitive, standardized programs, there are also initiatives and accelerators specifically targeting early-stage startups and providing tailored support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges and build a foundation for growth.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Thailand can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Thailand, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Thailand is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Thailand has a growing pool of tech-savvy talent, supported by numerous universities offering specialized programs in technology, engineering, and business. These institutions play a key role in fostering entrepreneurship through dedicated programs and incubators. While there's a need for more skilled workers in high-tech sectors, the government aims to develop a significant number of workers in advanced industries. Industry-specific skills in demand include AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital marketing, with proficiency in languages like Python and JavaScript being valuable. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a growing workforce of engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs contributing to innovative solutions. Government initiatives like the Smart Visa also help attract skilled professionals and investors to targeted industries, further boosting the talent pool for startups.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Thailand can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Thailand boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Thailand offers a growing ecosystem for startups with robust infrastructure and support systems. This includes numerous co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators like True Digital Park, SPACE-F, and various university programs providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Funding is available through diverse sources including angel investors, VCs, CVCs, and government funds. The Thai government actively supports startups through initiatives like "Thailand 4.0" and agencies such as the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). These initiatives offer grants, tax incentives, and programs like the Smart Visa to attract foreign talent and investors, fostering a business-friendly environment and helping startups thrive.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Thailand. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Thailand Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Thailand provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Thailand face several hurdles. Competition is significant, both from a growing local startup scene and established traditional businesses slow to adopt digital technologies. While the cost of living can be relatively low outside Bangkok, attracting skilled, multilingual talent often requires higher salaries, impacting operational costs. Regulatory issues present a major challenge, including complex processes for company formation, foreign ownership restrictions (generally limited to 49% for foreigners unless exceptions apply), and difficulties obtaining work permits and visas. Navigating these legal and bureaucratic complexities often necessitates expert help.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Thailand or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Thailand offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash