Established in May 2014, the association yesterday also announced that Vachara Aemavat, the chief executive officer and founder of Computerlogy, would be its second president. The first president of the Thailand Tech Startup Association was Patai Padungtin, founder of Builk Asia.

Vachara said that during his 2016-17 term, the association’s “unite, accelerate, and drive” mission would continue. From now on, the association will concentrate more on communication and collaboration among all stakeholders in the start-up ecosystem including start-up themselves, venture-capital providers and government.

“Tech start-ups are expected to be a part of the growth engine driving the country’s economy,” he said. “Start-up businesses can help support the country’s economy through the funding from venture investors around the world into Thai tech start-ups. Tech start-ups themselves can support the country’s economy through their business growth as well.”

The association yesterday also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Thai Venture Capital Association. Thanapong Na Ranong, president of the Thai Venture Capital Association, said the two organisations would collaborate to strengthen the start-up ecosystem in Thailand.

“This MoU is for tangible collaboration between the two associations to bring start-ups and venture-capital [providers] closer. They will match funds, contribute knowledge about start-ups and venture capital as well as investment, and provide information or reports on the current landscape of the start-up ecosystem in Thailand,” Thanapong said.

He said his association this year would have a greater presence in every region of Thailand as well as collaborate more with the private sector.

Yod Chinsupakul, vice president of the Thailand Tech Startup Association, said start-ups also helped the country by providing employment. Wongnai, his own start-up, has already employed more 90 people.

“Start-ups can help people find a job without coming to Bangkok. They can work and earn while living in their home town. This is the beauty of start-ups’ contribution to society,” Yod said.