As we usher into the new year, we sought insights from prominent figures across the Southeast Asian tech landscape. These leaders reflected on their triumphs in 2025, sharing valuable perspectives on their achievements and the challenges they overcame.

They also unveiled their ambitious aspirations, meticulously outlined their strategic plans for 2026, and offered insightful predictions on the trajectory of the tech industry in the new year.

We talked to Sasithorn Varanyuwatana, Head of True Digital Park, to learn more about True Digital Park’s achievements in 2025 and its plans and aspirations for 2026. She also shared her views on the outlook of tech ecosystem in Thailand and Southeast Asia for 2026.

The development of True Digital Park was initiated by the vision of Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd. The primary purpose is to provide a space that fosters innovation and growth for startups and tech entrepreneurs.

True Digital Park is Southeast Asia’s largest tech and startup hub, operating under the concept “One Roof, All Possibilities.” Spanning over 230,000 sq meters, this vibrant community is a critical driver for the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem in Thailand. Over 5,800 startups, entrepreneurs, tech companies, investors, accelerators, incubators, academies, and government agencies coexist in its interconnected ecosystem, information from its website showed.

How was True Digital Park’s 2025?

2025 was a year of profound validation for our mission. Being honored with the Prime Minister’s Award for Best Contributor in Human Capital Development was a highlight, reflecting our impact on Thailand’s startup talent. We successfully expanded our research capabilities through the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center CP Innovation (CoE) and the Digital and AI Research and Innovation Center by True CP Innovation (CoE). Beyond the physical space, we solidified our role as the heart of the ecosystem, hosting over 1,600 international events and fostering a community of 6,000+ innovation partners. We transitioned from being a space provider to a critical engine of the digital economy, evolving into a space of opportunity — where learning happens every day, digital capabilities grow stronger, and collaboration turns ideas into real business growth.

What’s your expectation/aspirations for 2026?

In 2026, our theme is “HELLO: Connecting for New Possibilities.” My aspiration is to see True Digital Park evolve into a campus that integrates work, life, and innovation. We are not just filling desks; we are catalyzing ecosystem value. I anticipate a surge in cross-border collaborations as we strengthen our international mix and position TDPK as the premier tech event destination and a seamless landing pad for global talent entering Thailand and Southeast Asia. We want to empower our community to turn “AI potential” into “AI value,” ensuring Thailand remains a dominant force in the regional tech landscape.

What are True Digital Park’s plans in 2026?

In 2026, True Digital Park’s mission is powered by four strategic growth engines. First, we are strengthening our “One Roof” community by elevating the tenant experience through integrated lifestyle privileges—connecting Live, Learn, Work, and Play. Second, we are positioning TDPK as a global Tech Event Destination, leveraging our world-class infrastructure to host large-scale international summits that bring the world’s brightest minds to Bangkok.
Our third engine is boosting the International Mix. We are actively expanding our Global Startup Program and visa assistance services to attract more international founders and digital nomads, particularly those looking for a gateway into the EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor). Finally, we are moving beyond infrastructure to Catalyze Ecosystem Value. This means deeper involvement in venture building, providing startups with direct access to corporate partners, and utilizing our AI Labs to help businesses re-platform for a cloud-first future.

How is the outlook for 2026 for the tech ecosystem in Thailand & Southeast Asia?

In Thailand, 2026 is the year our tech ecosystem “finds its true rhythm.” We have moved past the initial excitement and into a phase of steady, real-world growth. The digital economy is now expanding at 4.2 percent—twice the pace of Thailand’s overall GDP. This shift is being powered by a massive 1.4 trillion baht wave of digital investment, as global technology leaders like Google and AWS officially open their Cloud Regions in Thailand.

At True Digital Park, we see this as the moment AI moves from being a “trend” into a practical tool that helps businesses solve everyday problems. With 5G now covering over 95 percent of Thailand, we have the “high-speed foundation” needed to lead the region in digital adoption.
Across Southeast Asia, 2026 is a year of resilience and results. The “growth at any cost” era has ended, and investors are now focused on startups that are profitable and built to last, particularly in FinTech and sustainable technology. We are seeing a more mature market where successful companies are finally ready to go public (IPOs), proving that the region’s startups have grown into strong, stable businesses. True Digital Park remains the premier gateway for this new era, helping international founders land in a hyper-connected environment where they can scale across the 680-million-person ASEAN market faster and with more confidence than ever before.

Thailand’s Techsauce: 2026 will require stronger regional collaboration [Q&A]