File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's position on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 has dropped to 45th out of 139 economies, slipping from its 41st place last year. The decline is attributed to changes in the index's methodology, better performance by competing economies, and lower scores in certain sub-indices.

 

The GII report, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, highlights that Thailand struggled with low venture capital investment, weak foreign direct investment in new innovations, and a lack of new unicorn startups. Krithpaka Boonfueng, executive director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), commented that while Thailand's infrastructure previously earned a favorable rating, it has fallen as other nations enhanced their infrastructure.

 

Ms. Krithpaka emphasized the need for greater support for local innovation procurement to boost Thailand's GII ranking. The NIA is backing industry-specific innovation hubs and plans to establish a 4 billion baht private equity trust fund this year to encourage startup investments from private-public partnerships. This fund will be comprised of 1 billion baht from the government and 3 billion from venture capital partners, pending cabinet approval.

 

The innovation input and output sub-indices for Thailand ranked 46th and 43rd, respectively. While the country's performance in human capital and R&D improved—rising to 53rd from 71st—other areas such as infrastructure saw a decline, falling to 59th from 50th. Conversely, Thailand showcased strong market sophistication, indicating solid support for innovation businesses accessing capital and markets.

 

In the broader context, Southeast Asian rivals like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are making notable progress in global innovation rankings. An overall increase in R&D spending and a substantial rise in venture capital funding highlight the region's growing startup ecosystems. Despite challenges, Thailand maintains its position as an upper middle-income economy, aligning with its developmental level.

 

Looking to the future, Ms. Krithpaka aims for Thailand to reach 39th in the GII rankings soon. Globally, Switzerland continues to be the top innovator for the 15th consecutive year, while Sweden, the US, and South Korea round out the leading positions, driven by high R&D intensity and strong institutional support.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand dropped to 45th in the GII 2025, partly due to improved competitors.
• New initiatives in local innovation are planned to improve rankings.
• Southeast Asia shows notable innovation growth, with Thailand in line with its development level.

 

Related stories:

Thailand Named Fastest-Growing OpenAI Market in Region

Thai SMEs Lag in Innovation , Facing Economic Challenges Amidst Global Trade Pressures

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-18

 

 

Not surprising because lack of high educated people.

Thaksin's views onto Thailand's future addressed this problem. He favored a path away from assembling to engineering and manufacturing 

Just now, newbee2022 said:

Not surprising because lack of high educated people.

Thaksin's views onto Thailand's future addressed this problem. He favored a path away from assembling to engineering and manufacturing 

Any talent Thailand has have probably left for pastures new.

6 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Any talent Thailand has have probably left for pastures new.

Well, you can invest in tourism or in education.

Thais looking for easy money first.

But on the long run education is all.

What 'Innovations'? what index? didn't know Thailand was on any index.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Any talent Thailand has have probably left for pastures new.

Nonsense

deleted double post

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

What 'Innovations'? what index? didn't know Thailand was on any index.

 

Yes.

"Innovation" is something that looks most alien here.

It often comes with constant small improvement, driven by restlessness.

And is so hard to spot such a move as it just doesn't seem to exist while here.

 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand dropped to 45th in the GII 2025, partly due to improved competitors.

 

Thailand's only source of talent?

 

Anybody surprised? This is the plan of the old guard, hold the country back. They have a fear of change and the last thing they want is educated people to expose their own ignorance, and corrupt activities, and move the country forward. Thaksin tried and Peta scared them with his ideas. Sadly as long as they’re still alive they’ll be plenty of talk but little or nothing done.

3 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

Nonsense

The majority look to the States or Europe for employment.

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

The majority look to the States or Europe for employment.

Any data to proof this?

48 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

Any data to proof this?

Google... help yourself

22 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Google... help yourself

So that is a no then

Chinese investment will of course solve all these problems.

13 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

So that is a no then

No it's not a no... it's a go look for yourself.

The information is out there, I'm not your servant

9 hours ago, hotchilli said:

No it's not a no... it's a go look for yourself.

The information is out there, I'm not your servant

No, you just make false statements.

29 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

No, you just make false statements.

Surprised not.

 

Thinking not allowed - just look at the education system.

 

Many intelligent thinking Thais move overseas - more freedom and opportunities.

 

But with the military in control, Thais should not be worried.