Starting a business? Consider Thailand

Are you thinking of expanding your brand, or starting up a new enterprise with your savvy idea?

You’ll want to establish a digital presence the right way to compete with the top websites out there. But outside the digital realm, we need a physical space to work, house equipment, and exchange ideas.

With the freedom offered by the internet, you can do this anywhere. So why not work in paradise from the Kingom of Thailand?

Placeworks has operated here for the past decade and we like to think we know a thing or two about doing business in Thailand (or at least about web design Thailand).

In this multi-part series, we’ll be answering how a web design company (or any company for that matter) operates in Thailand.

The challenges top websites or a new website may have to deal with when entering this market, and why you should consider Thailand as your new home.

Why do business in Thailand?

If your business is thinking to expand or you’re a small company interested in setting up a center of operations, Thailand is the perfect choice.

Thailand’s strategic location in the center of Southeast Asia provides access to the region’s markets and serves as a gateway to the Greater Asia. This includes niche markets in countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and southern China, which can open up new opportunities for your business.

Thailand has a favorable business environment with relatively low levels of corruption and a pro-business government. In fact, the country ranks 21st out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report for 2020, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

Thailand’s large and growing economy, with a GDP of $502 billion in 2020, offers great potential for business growth. As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with free trade agreements with several countries, including China, Japan, and Australia, Thailand provides access to a vast market.

It has a well-educated and skilled workforce with a literacy rate of over 96%. The country is home to several top universities and technical institutes, which provides access to a pool of highly qualified professionals.

The relatively low cost of living compared to many other countries makes it an attractive destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. This can help businesses save costs and operate more efficiently.

The modern and efficient infrastructure, including a well-developed transportation network, modern communication systems, and access to reliable utilities such as electricity and water helps businesses operate smoothly and efficiently.

Major Hubs of Thailand

We’ll go more in-depth into each of these hubs in future articles. In the meantime, we’ll give some brief overviews of each.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand is a diverse and dynamic city that offers a wide range of business opportunities. The city is home to various industries, including finance, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and technology.

E-commerce and online shopping have contributed to the growth of the logistics industry, with companies like Lazada and Shopee establishing their regional headquarters in Bangkok.

Navigating the city’s traffic and bureaucracy can be challenging, and building strong relationships with local partners and suppliers is essential for success in business.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand is a vibrant city that offers a unique business environment, with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and creative industries.

The city is known for its cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and outdoor recreational activities, making it a popular destination for tourists. In fact, the tourism industry is a major contributor to Chiang Mai’s economy, with a variety of businesses catering to tourists such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and souvenir shops.

The city’s focus on sustainable tourism has also created opportunities for businesses in eco-tourism and responsible travel.

Chiang Mai offers a laid-back and entrepreneurial business environment with a relatively low cost of living, a growing infrastructure, and a supportive community of local and expat entrepreneurs.

However, businesses in Chiang Mai may face challenges related to access to finance and markets, and, like Bangkok, navigating the city’s bureaucracy can be time-consuming.

Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya, Thailand is a coastal city known for its beaches, nightlife, and tourism industry. As such, the main types of businesses in Pattaya are those catering to tourists, including hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

The city’s tourism industry is a major contributor to Pattaya’s economy, with a large number of businesses offering a wide range of services for tourists. Pattaya is also home to several large-scale events and festivals, such as the Pattaya International Music Festival and the Pattaya Carnival, which draw in large crowds of both domestic and international visitors.

Pattaya also has a growing real estate industry, with a focus on luxury condominiums and housing developments.

The city’s convenient location and attractive lifestyle also make it a popular destination for retirees and expats, which has created opportunities for businesses in the expat services sector, such as immigration and visa services, language schools, and relocation agencies.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, nightlife, and natural beauty. As such, the main types of businesses in Phuket are those catering to tourists, including hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

The city’s tourism industry is a major contributor to Phuket’s economy, with a large number of businesses offering a wide range of services for tourists. The island is also home to several luxury resorts and villas, which cater to high-end travelers and the growing demand for wellness and eco-tourism experiences.

Much like Pattaya, Phuket has a growing real estate industry, offering businesses many opportunities in this sector. Now that the COVID pandemic has passed, the real estate market is exploding as businesses, expats, and everyone in between, seeks to relocate to this island paradise.

Digital Marketing in Thailand

In addition to web design, digital marketing is also crucial for businesses looking to reach a wider audience. By incorporating digital marketing strategies into your web design, you can ensure that your website is seen by the right people at the right time. This can include search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and social media marketing.

E-commerce is a rapidly growing space in Thailand driven by the increasing popularity of online shopping and the adoption of digital technologies. The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with projections indicating that it could reach a market size of over $50 billion by 2025.

Thailand has a large and youthful population that is highly engaged with digital platforms, making it an attractive market for e-commerce development. The country also has a relatively high level of internet penetration, with over half of the population having access to the internet via mobile devices.

Several major e-commerce players have established a presence in Thailand, including Lazada, Shopee, and JD Central. These companies offer a wide range of products and services, from electronics and fashion to food and grocery delivery.

In addition to these major players, there are also a growing number of smaller and niche e-commerce businesses operating in Thailand, offering specialized products and services to a targeted customer base.

Despite the potential for growth, the e-commerce industry in Thailand also faces challenges, including logistical and infrastructure issues, as well as the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and behaviors.

With the right approach and a focus on meeting the needs and preferences of Thai consumers, e-commerce businesses can thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.

Managing a web-based business in Thailand

Web design is now a critical aspect of any business looking to establish itself and a well-designed website can be the difference between success and failure in the digital age. Placeworks is primarily a graphic design and web design company, and we know it is our responsibility to create websites that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for web development.

The web design industry in Thailand is flourishing in Southeast Asia, thanks to its low expenses, highly developed infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. With a growing number of skilled professionals and companies offering high-quality web design services.

The industry is focused on user experience and responsive design, with a strong emphasis on creating visually appealing and functional websites. Thai web designers are highly skilled in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to create modern and dynamic websites.

However, as with any industry, there are varying levels of quality and expertise among different providers. It’s important for businesses to carefully evaluate their options and choose a reputable and experienced web design company or freelancer to ensure they receive the best possible service.

Despite the highly competitive nature of the industry, the demand for web design services continues to grow, driven by the increasing importance of digital presence for businesses and organizations.

With the right expertise and approach, the web design industry in Thailand offers promising opportunities for both clients and providers.

What do we think?

As a web developer at Placeworks, I have visited websites and businesses from a wide range of industries and sectors in Thailand. From small businesses to large corporations, each business and website presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

By working closely with clients, we can identify their needs and design a website that meets their expectations thanks to our experience. And that’s what it largely comes down to.

Your experience and knowledge of a new environment comes with time (although it can be sped up substantially by working with an experienced agency). At our web design company, we understand the importance of collaboration when it comes to web development.

We work closely with our clients to ensure that their website reflects their brand and meets their business objectives.

This includes understanding the cultural differences and technical challenges that may arise in the Thai market. Whether it’s navigating the bureaucracy or understanding data to see its effects on businesses in the region, unique challenges demand unique solutions, especially when it comes to web design.

Web design in Thailand is an essential component of any business looking to succeed in the digital age.

By working with a web design company that understands the nuances of the Thai market, you can create a website that is optimized for web development, visually appealing graphic design, and effective at reaching your target audience through digital marketing strategies in search engines.