Thailand’s capital is on the rise. Bangkok surged 11 places to number 34 in the world in the 2024 Global Cities Index published by American management consulting firm Kearney, which credited the capital’s robust business activity for propelling it higher.

Kearney’s Global Cities Report is an assessment of the extent to which cities can attract, retain and generate global flows of capital, people, and ideas. The firm said its results are based on cities’ ability to adapt to circumstances, conditions and crises.

Bangkok’s climb up the rankings was fueled by an increase in business activity and a substantial rise in sea freight during difficult times in global shipping, according to the firm.

“In a year when many cities faced disruptions and challenges with sea shipping, Bangkok’s strategic location supported resilience in this dimension,” said Chanchai Tanatkatrakul, country head of Kearney Thailand.

Thailand’s capital ranked ninth in the category of Global Services Location, up one spot from last year, due to its financial competitiveness and favorable business environment. “This underscores Thailand’s appeal as an offshore destination for business services,” said Chanchai.

While the capital’s showing in services was sterling, manufacturing has also expanded in and around the city, he said. Investments in infrastructure, rapid digital transformation and targeted government incentives have supported the evolution of Bangkok’s economic landscape.

David Uhlenbrock, a partner at Kearney, said “To improve its ranking, Bangkok must address two key challenges: enhancing citizen welfare through improved environmental performance and social equity, and strengthening its innovation capabilities.”

Meanwhile, Thailand is steadily climbing up the United Nations E-government Development Index, reaching 52nd place out of 193 countries in the current list. The index gauges the availability, effectiveness and ease of digital government services.

The Thai government has set a goal of cracking the top 40 on the list by 2027.

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