Yothi – Rattanakosin-Rachaprasong named as Top-3 Innovation Areas of Bangkok

The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA revealed that since it began Area-based Innovation strategies nationwide, there are now three out of eight areas of Bangkok which have great potential and ready to be developed to fit with new business models relating to science, technology and innovation.

According to report of the Office of the Economic and Social Development Board, the science, technology and innovation businesses in Bangkok in the past five years is worth approximately 200 billion baht per year. And three areas that currently fit with innovation business models are Yothi, Rattanakosin, and Rachaprasong.

Yothi, the hub where various medical-related agencies are located between Phayathai and Ratchathewi districts, is suitable for medical innovation services. The area is good for startups who can provide electronic service systems to support those healthcare-related agencies and help them enhance their service capabilities.

Rattanakosin, which is adjacent to various important cultural areas of Bangkok such as Pak Klong Talad, Sampeng, Pahurat, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Tha Chang, Maharat and Banglamphu, is perfect for many kinds of creative activities such as fashion design, architectural design, multimedia, tourism, culture and lifestyle. It can be developed as an area for co-working space that can support creative and business activities.

Meanwhile, Ratchaprasong in Pathumwan district, is most ready to be business areas perfect for startups who do financial services, travel and transportation services that serve the residents living in the areas, MICE businesses, and lifestyle services that can fit the needs of city dwellers. It can be the model for other business areas in the future.

To boost more awareness of innovation districts, NIA has arranged a special exhibition to promote 15 innovation areas countrywide. It has also cooperated with the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand (RPST) to organize ‘Innovation Thailand Photo Contest’ which is the area-based focus photography of 7 innovation areas including Yothi, Rattanakosin, Pathumwan, Pattaya, and innovation areas in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khon Kaen. The aim is to raise awareness on the benefits of elevating each area into innovation areas and be a part that exemplifies the innovative solutions that help solve out social problems and bring about positive changes to the society.

Interested participants can submit photos taken by digital or film cameras, or other devices. The contest starts from 8 June – 1 September 2018. The total prizes for the contest is 280,000 baht. For more information, please go to www.rpst.or.th