Wai Man Raymond Chu, Director of the Thailand International Digital Business & Finance Centre (TIDC), today announced the appointment of Tekin Salimi and Rushi Manche as advisors to the center. Both Salimi and Manche are recognized globally for their expertise in crypto and blockchain technology. This strategic move underscores TIDC’s commitment to developing the country’s blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure, promoting the use of cryptocurrencies, and building a strong team to advance Thailand’s digital economy. The addition of these two experts is expected to provide valuable guidance and support to the center’s initiatives.
Wai Man Raymond Chu stated that “TIDC is pleased to announce that esteemed global experts have embraced our invitation to participate in the advancement of Thailand’s blockchain technology. This collaboration occurs at a pivotal moment as the nation embarks on the era of digital finance, which serves as a cornerstone for economic transformation.” Within the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector, both individuals possess a highly esteemed reputation and are regarded as significant figures with whom numerous organizations aspire to collaborate. Given their extensive experience in venture capital, blockchain security, and decentralized finance (DeFi), we are confident that both individuals will significantly contribute to Thailand’s emergence as a premier digital and financial hub within Southeast Asia.
Global Experts to Guide Thailand’s Blockchain Future
Tekin Salimi is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former lawyer who founded dao5, a pioneering cryptocurrency asset management fund with assets exceeding $500 million. Dao5 is designed to evolve into a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), an innovative structure where decision-making is driven by blockchain-based governance rather than centralized control. Previously, Salimi served as a General Partner at Polychain Capital, a leading crypto investment firm, where he identified and supported high-potential blockchain projects that have since shaped the global cryptocurrency landscape.
Salimi’s role at TIDC will be instrumental in positioning Thailand as a regional hub for blockchain investment and innovation. By leveraging his extensive network of crypto investors and startups, he will leverage world-class blockchain technology initiatives to locally deploy as well as attract foreign investment capital into Thailand. His deep understanding of institutional and individual adoption of cryptocurrencies will also aid in formulating policies and frameworks that integrate blockchain technology into Thailand’s financial sector in a sustainable and secure manner.
Rushi Manche is the co-founder of Movement Labs, a blockchain development firm dedicated to advancing security and efficiency in blockchain networks. Movement Labs is at the forefront of developing the Move programming language, an emerging technology originally designed for Facebook’s blockchain project that is now gaining traction in the broader blockchain ecosystem. As of January 2025, Movement Labs is raising a $100 million Series B funding round, aiming for a $3 billion valuation, highlighting its growing influence in the blockchain industry. Movement Labs is among the firms discussing blockchain usage with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, which aims to leverage blockchain technology for enhanced transparency and cost reduction in government operations.
Manche’s appointment as an advisor to TIDC will be crucial in developing a secure and scalable blockchain infrastructure for Thailand. His expertise in blockchain security and smart contract programming will help ensure that Thailand’s digital finance ecosystem is resilient against cyber threats while remaining adaptable for large-scale applications. Furthermore, his recent advancements with Elon Musk’s DOGE can be applied to enhance transparency and reduce costs in Thai government operations.
Empowering Thailand’s Digital Future
The combined contributions of Salimi and Manche will drive key government initiatives such as the development of stablecoins, enhanced cryptocurrency adoption, and blockchain-powered financial services. Their expertise will be crucial in shaping potential blockchain initiatives that the government encourages private entities and foreign investors to pilot within a regulatory sandbox.
By integrating their expertise into TIDC’s mission, Thailand is poised to become a leader in blockchain innovation, attracting new businesses, creating job opportunities, and fostering financial inclusion. Their involvement will also support the establishment of the Digital Economy Regulatory Sandbox (DERS), allowing private and public sectors to experiment with cutting-edge blockchain solutions under a well-regulated framework.
With these strategic appointments, TIDC reaffirms its commitment to propelling Thailand’s digital economy forward and setting new standards for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation in the region.
