For Phuket property buyers and investors, the question is often about tourism, villa demand and rental yields. But a different signal is emerging — one that may shape long-term demand in ways that beaches and sunsets cannot.
Phuket has been named one of Thailand’s top three startup cities in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, released by StartupBlink. The island recorded 85.9% growth in startup activity, placing it alongside Bangkok and Chiang Mai as a key hub for entrepreneurs, investors and digital nomads.
The ranking is part of a broader shift. Thailand entered the global top 50 for startup ecosystems for the first time in six years, climbing to 49th position worldwide and posting one of the fastest growth rates among the top 50 nations at 62.6%.
What the rankings actually show
The Global Startup Ecosystem Index covers 120 countries and more than 1,500 cities. It measures factors such as startup quantity, quality, business environment and ecosystem support.
Thailand now ranks fourth in Southeast Asia after Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. It also secured the top position in Southeast Asia for medical technology startups and eighth globally in the medtech sector.
Bangkok climbed five spots to 76th globally and fourth in Southeast Asia, and was recognised as the leading robotics city in the region. Chiang Mai grew 91.6%, while Phuket’s 85.9% growth placed it firmly among the country’s key innovation centres.
Pattaya, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom were new entrants, bringing Thailand to third place in Southeast Asia for the number of ranked startup cities.
Yodchanan Wongsawat, the minister of higher education, science, research and innovation, said the government views startups as a critical growth engine for the digital economy, targeted industries, high-skilled jobs and global competitiveness.
“Thailand entering the top 50 and becoming the leading medtech hub in the region signals growing confidence from investors, entrepreneurs and international innovation networks,” he said.
Why Phuket’s startup growth matters for property
Phuket’s property market has long been driven by holiday buyers, retirees and lifestyle investors. But the startup ranking points to a different layer of demand — one shaped by working professionals, digital nomads, entrepreneurs and small technology companies choosing Phuket as a base.
This group is less seasonal and more likely to rent or buy for extended periods. They need reliable internet, coworking spaces, access to Bangkok and an international environment. They are also more likely to use property year-round rather than treating it as a holiday home.
The 85.9% growth in Phuket’s startup activity suggests the island is becoming more than a beach destination. It is attracting people who work remotely, run online businesses or are building early-stage companies in sectors such as technology, wellness, hospitality and digital services.
For landlords and rental investors, this could mean steadier occupancy outside peak tourist months. For developers, it may signal demand for smaller units, coworking-friendly layouts and areas with strong connectivity rather than only beachfront proximity.
What remains uncertain
The report did not provide detailed breakdowns of which sectors, neighbourhoods or types of startups are driving Phuket’s growth. It also did not specify how many startups are based in Phuket or how much funding they have attracted.
Eli David Rokah, chief executive and co-founder of StartupBlink, told the Bangkok Post that Thailand’s improvement reflects a gradual stabilisation after years of sluggish momentum, but structural weaknesses remain.
He noted that many Thai startups still focus primarily on the domestic market rather than building for regional or international expansion. Compared with regional rivals, Thailand faces challenges in taxation, investment incentives, banking systems and regulatory clarity, making it less attractive for entrepreneurs seeking to establish scalable global businesses.
Some high-potential founders are choosing to register companies in more business-friendly jurisdictions overseas, which analysts described as a serious long-term risk for Thailand’s innovation economy.
For Phuket, the key question is whether the startup growth is sustained or whether it is shaped more by lifestyle appeal than by genuine business infrastructure and funding access.
The wider Phuket context
Phuket’s inclusion among Thailand’s top three startup hubs aligns with other recent shifts. The island has seen growth in coworking spaces, serviced offices, long-stay expat communities and visa programmes aimed at remote workers and skilled professionals.
The Ministry of Higher Education and the National Innovation Agency are accelerating efforts to strengthen Thailand’s innovation systems through matching fund schemes, university holding companies and the expansion of the Startup Thailand League.
Yodchanan said Thailand’s rise in medtech highlighted the country’s readiness to tap into the rapidly expanding global wellness economy, which is seen as a future growth driver. Phuket, with its established wellness, medical tourism and hospitality sectors, could benefit if the government’s innovation push gains traction.
But Yodchanan acknowledged that startups still face challenges such as limited access to funding, insufficient testing opportunities for innovations and fragmented support networks.
The National Innovation Agency plans to develop Bangkok’s Ari district into a dedicated innovation and startup community hub aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with global investment, technology and innovation networks. Whether Phuket will receive similar targeted infrastructure investment remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Phuket’s startup ranking mean for property investors?
It suggests a potential shift in demand beyond tourism and retirees. Startups, remote workers and entrepreneurs may create steadier year-round rental demand and interest in smaller, connectivity-focused properties rather than only beachfront villas.
Which sectors are driving Phuket’s startup growth?
The report did not provide sector-level detail for Phuket. Thailand overall is strongest in medical technology, where it ranks first in Southeast Asia and eighth globally. Phuket’s startup activity likely includes technology, wellness, hospitality and digital services, but specific breakdowns were not included.
How does Phuket compare with Chiang Mai for startups?
Chiang Mai recorded slightly higher growth at 91.6% compared with Phuket’s 85.9%. Both cities are now among Thailand’s top three startup hubs alongside Bangkok. Chiang Mai has a longer-established digital nomad community, while Phuket offers beach proximity and stronger tourism infrastructure.
What challenges do Thai startups still face?
According to the report, challenges include limited access to funding, insufficient testing opportunities for innovations, fragmented support networks, taxation issues, weak investment incentives and regulatory complexity. Many Thai startups focus on the domestic market rather than building for regional or global expansion.
Is the startup growth in Phuket sustainable?
The 85.9% growth is significant, but the report did not provide long-term trend data or detail on funding levels, company survival rates or sector maturity. The chief executive of StartupBlink noted that Thailand’s improvement reflects gradual stabilisation, but structural weaknesses remain.
Sources
- The Phuket News — Thailand reaches top 50 in startup rankings — link
- Bangkok Post — cited in The Phuket News article
- StartupBlink — 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index
