The Ministry of Science and Technology, a key host of “Startup Thailand 2016”, announces its readiness and confidence in startup to drive Thai economy
The Ministry of Science and Technology joins hands with 11 agencies from both public and private sectors including Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, SMEs Service Center, Community Organization (Pracha Rath) and Thailand Startup Community to co-host a press conference on “Startup Thailand 2016” which will be held from April 28 - May 1, 2016 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. At the event, Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Uttama Savanayana, Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Deputy Minister of Commerce will preside over the opening ceremony.
“Startup Thailand 2016” is Thailand’s first and the largest event of the year specially designed to be a powerful platform to unveil over 180 startups in response with the government policy to place importance on startups to help them expand their business and create a new market both locally and internationally which will significantly lead to exponential growth and push Thailand toward scientific, innovative and technological economy in order to become a digital hub of ASEAN. In addition to bringing together startup business operators and investors to have the opportunity to meet and exchange their experiences while forming a strong network, this motivational event provides knowledge and create inspiration to young entrepreneurs ranging from college and university students, new office workers, a new generation of farmers to corporate executives. Besides this, this inspiring event will help SMEs entrepreneurs to understand and get an insight into startup business so that they will be able to develop their own business steadily. To stimulate and inspire a new generation of startups, “Pitching Challenge” Competition, another can’t-miss highlight of this event, will be kicked off. The well-selected 10 finalist startup teams will be announced and entered the final round of competition with a 5-minute English presentation on their startup initiatives to win the cash prize worth a combined 520,000 baht on April 30, 2016 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology, said: “According to the 1/2016 meeting of the National Innovation Development Committee on January 8, 2016, presided over by Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister assigned Ministry of Science and Technology to be a representative of the government and be a key host of “Startup Thailand 2016” in cooperation with 11 agencies from both public and private sectors including Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, SMEs Service Center, Community Organization (Pracha Rath) and Thailand Startup Community to move Thailand towards innovative economy and become a digital hub of ASEAN. To date, there are about 1,000-2,500 startups in Thailand. This year, the government is committed to supporting startups to expand their customer base, not just in Bangkok. The government has set up a strategic plan for “Startup District’ to wide spread startup in every part of Thailand. This year’s “Startup Thailand 2016” will be organized under the concept of “Unite to Rise”, bringing together startups and related startup agencies from every sector for the first time in Thailand by focusing on innovative startup products and services. This is a good start to open up the stage for talented and creative startups to get together to exchange their views and unleash their creativities while showcasing their masterpieces to build up the new business model. This attempt will lead to the strong connection and opportunity for venture capital to drive Thai economy into a brighter future.”
Dr. Uttama Savanayana, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said: “The ICT Ministry’s policies obviously support startups in accordance with the government’s economic stimulus measures to move Thailand towards ‘Digital Economy’. Playing a vital role in driving economy coupled with Information Technology (IT), the Ministry, therefore, has come up with a strategic goal to support entrepreneurs by utilizing new technology to further develop their business to increase their income level and apply digital technology to raise the quality of life. In addition, there are other divisions under our Ministry that are ready to fully support startup entrepreneurs such as Software Industry Promotion Agency (Public Organization) or SIPA, Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Public Organization) or ETDA, Electronic Government Agency (Public Organization) or EGA, Thailand Post Co., Ltd, CAT Telecom PCL and TOT PCL to co-host “Startup Thailand 2016” to drive the government policies, particularly developing Thailand to a digital economy to create more jobs, generate more income and develop a better quality of life according to Thailand’s vision to power up the country to achieve “stability, prosperity and sustainability”.
Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Deputy Minister of Commerce, said: “The Ministry of Commerce is committed to supporting startup to grow exponentially and sustainably. Startup is a business ideally for young entrepreneurs who dare to think and dare to do through trial and error methods. No need to have a budget for investment, but have to come up with brilliant idea and a strong desire to change. The size of the business is not an obstacle to grow the business. One of the Ministry’s current efforts is to shift the traditional business practices to a new business model that allows the private and civil society sectors to drive business together; meanwhile the government will be a key supporter to help fill in the gap. Moreover, the government is looking to amend the corporate law to allow a single individual to register as corporate entity to support entrepreneurs, unlock the Board of Investment (BOI)’s regulations to allow a single individual with potential idea in the targeted industries to gain BOI privileges. Current regulation only allows targeted firms that already have machinery. BOI is now in the process of consideration to amend law and regulations. A single individual who has an idea is able to get support from BOI. The more startups enter the system, the more opportunity to invest in venture capital. There might be some tax incentives or some guarantees to encourage investors to make an investment.”
“Startup Thailand 2016” will be kicked off under the concept “Unite to Rise” or “a get together of startups to make a big move to Thai economy”. Apart from gathering agencies from both public and private sectors, this can’t-miss event has received tremendous support from other agencies to cooperatively discover a new innovative business model that will help the business to grow rapidly. This inspiring event will be held from April 28 - May 1, 2016 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The official opening ceremony is set to launch on April 28, 2016 along with exclusive talks on “Thailand’s Startup Vision” by Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, “Empowering Startup Thailand: The New Economic Foundation of Thailand” by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak and “Creative Economy: A Platform for Korean Startup Development” by H.E. Choi Yanghee, Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Korea. Additionally, there will a series of interesting seminars led by highly talented startups from over 10 countries including “Startup & New Investment Opportunities in Asia” by Mr. Dave McClure, Founding Partner of 500 Startups. Besides this, there will be other motivational and invaluable sessions throughout a must-visit 4-day event. For more information, please call 02-017-5555 or contact Call Center at 1313. Also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit website: www.thailandstartup.org or Facebook:www.facebook.com/ThailandStartup/. (Please find internal activities from enclosed documents.)
Note to Editors: Startup Thailand 2016
Startup Thailand 2016 is organized to unite the power of startup to contribute to the growth of the Thai economy. The Ministry of Science and Technology, as a key host of the event, has joined forces with 11 agencies from both public and private sectors including Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, SMEs Service Center, Community Organization (Pracha Rath) and Thailand Startup Community to co-host this motivational event under the concept “Unite to Rise”. ‘Startup’ has been divided into 8 categories in accordance with entrepreneurs from different types of businesses including Agriculture Technology Startup (AgriTech), Industry Technology Startup (IndustryTech), Government Technology and Education Technology Startup (GovTech & EducationTech), Property Technology Startup (PropertyTech), Lifestyle Startup (Lifestyle-Travel-Media), E-Commerce and Logistic Startup (E-Commerce & Logistic), Financial Technology Startup (FinTech) and Medical Technology and Healthcare Startup (MedTech & Healthcare).
For more information, please contact:
Public Relations Department, Ministry of Science and Technology: Tel: 02-333-3700 ext. 3727-3732 Fax: 02-333-3834
Public Relations & Corporate Communications Department, National Science and Technology Development Agency: Tel: 02-564-7000 ext. 71731
Lanjana (089-128-5004) : Weeravut (081-614-4465) : Chananant (081-639-6122) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nattawan (094-148-8863)
