Bangkok took first place in this year’s roster of the easiest places to get a visa according to the annual Brand Finance Global City Index.
The yearly Global City Index is considered the most comprehensive global survey of city perceptions.
The Thai capital climbed up a rank from last year, highlighting its accessibility for international visitors.
According to Brand Finance managing director for the Asia Pacific Alex Haigh: “Bangkok’s improvement in our Global City Index reflects its status as a vibrant, accessible, and strategic city in the ASEAN region. The city’s strengths in affordability, openness, and business potential are clear indicators of its appeal for both residents and investors.”
How the world sees Bangkok
The 2024 results are based on a survey of over 15,000 respondents across 20 countries, offering a detailed look at how the world’s leading city brands are viewed.
Respondents were asked to rate 100 cities on Key Performance Indicators: Familiarity, Reputation, and Consideration, indicating how strongly these cities are perceived as places people would want to live, work, study, visit, retire, and invest in.
In addition, respondents chose from 45 attributes grouped under seven pillars, including Culture & Heritage or Business & Investment, that they associated with city brands.
A prominent global position
The report reveals that Bangkok has secured a prominent position, ranking 50th overall among the world’s top city brands.
The city also ranks 18th for ‘familiarity’, reflecting its global recognition as a popular destination.
Bangkok also shines in the Liveability pillar, ranking 4th as an ‘affordable city’ for housing, education and overall cost of living.
The city also holds the 45th place for an ‘appealing lifestyle’ and 34th for ‘nice weather’, making it a desirable location for those seeking quality living at affordable rates.
As a hub of diversity, Bangkok ranks 9th for being ‘diverse and multicultural’ (up 13 ranks), and 13th for being ‘open and welcoming’ (up by eight ranks).
It is also recognised as a ‘fun city’ (25th) and ‘friendly’ (34th), with a ‘strong sense of civic pride and identity’ (56th).
