File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Bangkok has impressively climbed the 2024 Global Cities Index (GCI), moving up 11 places to secure 34th spot, marking the largest leap among the top 50 global cities. This leap forward is attributed to enhancements in Bangkok’s business activity, cultural scene, and information exchange capabilities, according to consulting firm Kearney.

 

Chanchai Tanatkatrakul, the head of Kearney Thailand, highlighted that Bangkok's business activity notably benefited from its improved sea freight ranking. "In an era when many cities faced shipping challenges, Bangkok's strategic position bolstered its resilience in this sector," he commented.

 

Additionally, an increase in top global service firms has further strengthened its business environment, making Bangkok a burgeoning hub for international enterprise due to its ease of doing business and financial attractiveness.

 

The GCI ranks cities by evaluating five key areas: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement, utilising 31 different metrics.

 

This year, the introduction of new criteria such as digital readiness and human mobility reflected the dynamic challenges cities face globally, contributing to overall increased scores across the board.

Thailand has also enhanced its standings in the Global Services Location Index, moving up to ninth place, driven by financial competitiveness and a favourable business climate. This highlights Thailand's appeal as an offshore destination for business services, underscored Chanchai.

 

Bangkok’s information exchange ranking improved with the introduction of a new internet speed metric, placing the city eighth globally in this area. The city also ranked higher due to the removal of outdated metrics like “access to TV news.”

 

Meanwhile, the city’s vibrant cultural experiences, from culinary offerings to the arts, saw enhancements boosting its global cultural standing.

 

As a nation, Thailand is witnessing a transformation through sustained investments in infrastructure, rapid digital transformation, and targeted governmental incentives, added Chanchai.

 

The country is also benefiting from the China+One strategy, where firms look to diversify their operations regionally, catalysing growth within its manufacturing sector. This economic expansion is creating a fertile ground for foreign investment and business establishment.

 

David Uhlenbrock, a partner at Kearney, noted that despite Bangkok’s rise from 45th place last year, challenges remain. The city trails behind regional giants like Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

 

To elevate its status further, Bangkok must focus on improving environmental stewardship and enhancing innovation capabilities.

 

Singapore, overtaking Beijing, secured fifth place due to robust business activity, human capital, and near-perfect ease of entry scores. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s climb to eighth place was driven by new metrics in information exchange, reinforcing its status as a tech hub with rapid internet speed and substantial data centre presence.

 

In conclusion, Bangkok’s rise in the GCI underscores its growing importance on the world stage. However, addressing environmental and social challenges is crucial for crafting a sustainable future, said Uhlenbrock, calling for a strategic focus on regeneration and collaborative governance, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-07

 

 

Now it´s just to wait for the smog and bad air report, and we will have a more accurate placement on the list.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

This leap forward is attributed to enhancements in Bangkok’s business activity, cultural scene, and information exchange capabilities, according to consulting firm Kearney.

I guess they overlooked the annual air pollution problem