Bangkok, the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand since 1782, had long been known by foreign merchants as a dynamic port on the way to Ayutthaya. One of the largest ASEAN cities, it is determined to face the future with innovative projects such as One Bangkok, an integrated district focused on environmental sustainability and smart-city living. Most notably, Bangkok attracts millions of visitors every year as a starting point to explore Thailand.
But how promising is the city in terms of urban sustainability, business, and tourism attractiveness? How influential is it worldwide, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Bangkok’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Bangkok’s overall performance across various international rankings. For a deeper analysis, our custom reports provide tailored insights for specific contexts, such as cities, regions, or countries.
| Ranking | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Brand Finance Global City Index | – | – | – | – | 47 | 50 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 58 | 31 | 30 | 39 | 32 | 32 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 59 | 58 | 79 | 86 | 95 | – |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 71 | – | – | – | 145 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 42 | 36 | 35 | 43 | 45 | 34 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 133 | – | – | – | 124 | 124 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 40 | 35 | 46 | 106 | 105 | 129 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 211 | 330 | 350 | 298 | 235 | 207 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 206 | 235 | 235 | 227 | 184 | 243 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 153 | 146 | – | 166 | – | 145 | 121 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 72 | – | 77 | – |
City Brand Strength
In Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, Bangkok ranks 50th globally, highlighting its appeal as a culturally vibrant and affordable city with strong business potential.
Bangkok’s reputation as a top travel destination is further solidified by its 32nd place ranking in Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 rankings.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Bangkok made a significant leap in Kearney’s 2024 Global Cities Report, climbing 11 spots to 34th place. This advancement was driven by improvements in business activity, cultural experience, and information exchange.
Appeal to Talent
Bangkok’s appeal to talent is shaped by a dynamic interplay of economic growth, evolving workforce expectations, and targeted government initiatives.
Urban Sustainability
In the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024, Bangkok ranks 77th out of 100 cities, suggesting some challenges in achieving sustainability goals.
Our Key Takeaways
Bangkok is steadily evolving into a globally competitive city, known for its diverse cultures, strategic regional influence, and growing innovation capacity. Its strong tourism appeal and economic dynamism continue to shape its international image. However, the city faces ongoing challenges related to livability, sustainability, and infrastructure that require strategic investment and reform.
- Strengths: Cultural richness, tourism appeal, improving business environment.
- Weaknesses: Low sustainability rankings, urban congestion.
- Opportunities: Investing in sustainable infrastructure, enhancing talent development programs.
- Threats: Environmental concerns, overdependence on tourism.
Last updated in April 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Bangkok’s economic and cultural landscape and facilitate comparison over time. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, the data is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Please verify any information before relying on it for decision-making purposes.
