yournovel Chapter 130 Southeast Asia's No.1 Digital City
Chapter 130 Southeast Asia's No.1 Digital City
The plane landed at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the humid heat hit them. Ling Yun was wearing a light gray suit, with Zhao Hu following half a step behind, carrying a briefcase.
At the exit, someone was holding a sign: "Please pick up Mr. Lingyun."
He was a Thai man in his thirties, wearing a government uniform.
"Mr. Ling, I am Chatchai from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The mayor sent me to pick you up."
"Thank you," Ling Yun said.
Chatchai led them through the VIP entrance, away from the crowd. A black Toyota sedan with government license plates was parked outside.
Get in the car and head towards the city.
Zhao Hu looked out the window. There were many motorcycles, the streets were crowded, and the GG license plates had a mix of Thai and English.
"Mr. Ling, Ms. Sophia has already sent the investment plan to the city government," Chatchai said in English. "The mayor is very interested and has specially arranged a time to meet with you today."
"What time is the mayor free this afternoon?"
"Four o'clock. Head straight to City Hall."
"it is good."
The car arrived at the city hall. A white building, guarded by security personnel.
Chatchai led them inside, upstairs to the reception room.
"Please wait a moment, the mayor will be here shortly."
The reception room was air-conditioned and cool. A portrait of the king hung on the wall.
Zhao Hu stood behind Ling Yun, his gaze sweeping across the room.
The door opened, and several people came in. The one in the lead was a man in his fifties, wearing a dark suit.
"Mr. Ling, welcome to Bangkok. I am Mayor Anan."
They shook hands. Anan speaks English with a Thai accent.
"Mr. Mayor, thank you for taking the time," Ling Yun said.
"You're welcome. I've read your investment plan; it's very interesting." Anan sat down, and his secretary brought him tea.
"We plan to build a large digital city in Bangkok," Ling Yun stated bluntly. "It will integrate computer sales, software development, technical training, and startup incubation. The goal is to become the Silicon Valley of Southeast Asia."
"What about the scale?"
"The total investment is US$500 million, divided into three phases. The first phase involves an investment of US$150 million to build the main shopping mall and office area. The second phase involves US$200 million to expand supporting facilities and residential areas. The third phase involves US$150 million to build a research and development center."
Anan listened attentively.
Where will the location be?
"I'm initially interested in the Ratchada area. It has convenient transportation, is close to universities, and has development potential."
"Job opportunities?"
"After the completion of the first phase, it is expected to directly create 3,000 jobs and indirectly create 10,000 jobs. After the completion of all three phases, the total number of jobs is expected to reach 50,000."
The number is huge. Anan's eyes flickered.
"Regarding taxes?"
"The first three years are tax-free, and the following two years are subject to a 50% tax reduction. This is an internationally accepted investment incentive."
What are your advantages?
"We have mature electronics production lines in China and a technical team in the United States," Ling Yun said. "We can introduce the latest computer technologies and train local talent. At the same time, the digital city can drive the upgrading of Bangkok's technology industry."
Anan thought for a while.
"I need to see a more detailed plan."
"It's all ready," Ling Yun gestured to Zhao Hu.
Zhao Hu opened the briefcase, took out three documents, and handed them to Anan.
One document contains architectural design drawings, another contains an economic benefit analysis, and the third contains cooperation terms.
Anan opened it and looked at it. The design drawings were very professional, and the economic benefit analysis data was detailed.
"Why Bangkok?" he asked.
"Bangkok is the economic center of Southeast Asia, with a large population and market. Moreover, the Thai government is stable and the investment environment is favorable."
These words made Anan laugh.
"You're very good with words."
"I'm just telling the truth."
Anan closed the document.
"I agree in principle. But it needs to be approved by parliament."
"We can sign a letter of intent first. We can discuss the specific details later."
"Can."
The secretary brought over a letter of intent. It was in both Thai and English.
Lingyun carefully reviewed the terms and conditions. The investment amount, land use, preferential policies, timetable... everything was clearly listed.
"No problem." He signed.
Anan also signed.
A handshake. Flashbulbs went off. Several reporters had entered sometime earlier and were taking pictures.
"Mayor, what is this?" Ling Yun asked.
"Media interviews have been arranged," Anan said. "Such a large investment project needs publicity. You don't mind, do you?"
"I don't mind."
They walked to the city hall press conference room. More than a dozen media outlets were already waiting.
Anan spoke first, in Thai. Lingyun couldn't understand it, but she heard words like "five hundred million US dollars investment," "digital city," and "job opportunities."
Then, Ling Yun will speak.
He spoke in English.
"We thank the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for their support. We believe that Digital City will become a milestone for Thailand's technology industry. We will introduce cutting-edge technologies, cultivate local talent, and drive the development of Thailand's digital economy."
A reporter asked a question.
"Mr. Ling, why did you choose Thailand instead of Singapore?"
"The Thai market is larger, costs are lower, and there is excellent policy support."
What about the investment risks?
"All investments carry risks. But we have conducted thorough research and believe in Thailand's development potential."
When is construction planned to begin?
"If all goes well, this June."
The interview lasted for twenty minutes.
Afterwards, Anan escorted Lingyun to the door.
"Thai television will be reporting on it tonight," he said. "That will be a good start."
"Thank you, Mayor."
"I've put Chatchai in charge of the specific coordination. He'll assist you with all the procedures."
"it is good."
Back in the car, Zhao Hu said, "A reporter just took a picture of us getting into the car."
"That's normal," Ling Yun said. "That's exactly the effect I wanted."
The car arrived at the hotel. The Oriental Hotel Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
After checking in, Lingyun called Sophia.
"Intended bookmark."
"That's great. How's the reaction in Thailand?"
"Very proactive. The mayor personally intervened, and the media also reported on it."
"Do you need me to come over?"
"No need. You continue to keep an eye on things in the US. Any new moves by Microsoft?"
"They've recently been contacting several of our core engineers, trying to poach them."
"Give them a raise, offer them stock options, and keep them."
"clear."
After hanging up the phone, Zhao Hu checked the room.
"Mr. Ling, there's a building across from the balcony; you might be able to see the room with binoculars."
"Draw the curtains."
"Yes."
I turned on the TV at 7 p.m. Thai television was broadcasting the news.
The footage shows the signing ceremony at the city hall, with Anan and Lingyun shaking hands. Then comes an interview segment.
The news anchor announced in Thai: "American investors plan to invest $500 million in Bangkok to build a digital city, which is expected to create 50,000 jobs..."
Zhao Hu, watching TV, said, "They take it very seriously."
"Of course. A $500 million investment is a huge sum of money in Thailand," Ling Yun said. "And it perfectly aligns with their desire to develop the technology industry."
"But do we really want to build a digital city?"
"Build it," Ling Yun said. "The first phase will be built. It'll be a good cover."
"cover?"
"We have a lot of funds flowing through Thailand. If it's just financial operations, it will be suspected. But if there are real investments, it's perfectly legitimate."
Zhao Hu understood.
"So the digital city is just a front?"
"Not entirely," Lingyun said. "It can make money on its own. But more importantly, it gives our funds a legitimate reason to come in and out."
The television news has ended.
Lingyun opened his laptop and checked the Thai stock and currency market data.
The stock market index remained stable.
But there are undercurrents beneath the surface.
He emailed the Singapore company: Start building short positions in Thai baht, in batches.
Then send a fax to Li Ziyu: Open a securities account in Thailand and prepare to operate.
After doing all that, he went to the balcony.
Bangkok at night is ablaze with lights. Cruise boats float on the Chao Phraya River, and the faint sound of music drifts through the air.
This is a bustling city, but also a fragile one.
High external debt, real estate bubble, and inflated exchange rate.
The calmest hour is always before the storm.
Zhao Hu stood behind him.
"Mr. Ling, what are the plans for tomorrow?"
"Meet with a few people from the banks. Then go to Malaysia."
"What do you need me to prepare?"
"Exchange some Thai baht cash. Also, check how many international banks are in Bangkok."
"Yes."
Lingyun lay down and closed his eyes.
The news of the digital city signing should reach Hong Kong and Singapore tomorrow.
This will increase his credibility.
Having a good reputation makes financing easier.