Wai Man Raymond Chu, Director of the Thailand International Digital Business & Finance Centre (TIDC), has announced the appointment of Tekin Salimi and Rushi Manche as advisors to the center. Both Salimi and Manche are globally recognized for their expertise in crypto and blockchain technology. This strategic move highlights TIDC’s dedication to advancing Thailand’s blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure, fostering cryptocurrency adoption, and strengthening its team to drive the nation’s digital economy forward. The addition of these two experts is expected to offer valuable insights and support for the center’s initiatives.
Wai Man Raymond Chu stated “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.
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 crucial in establishing Thailand as a regional hub for blockchain investment and innovation. With his vast network of crypto investors and startups, he will drive the deployment of cutting-edge blockchain initiatives locally while attracting foreign investment into Thailand. His in-depth knowledge of both institutional and individual cryptocurrency adoption will also play a key role in shaping policies and frameworks that integrate blockchain technology into Thailand’s financial sector securely and sustainably.
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.
Rushi Manche’s appointment as an advisor to TIDC will play a pivotal role in building a secure and scalable blockchain infrastructure for Thailand. With his expertise in blockchain security and smart contract programming, he will help ensure the resilience of Thailand’s digital finance ecosystem against cyber threats, while also making it adaptable for large-scale applications. Additionally, his recent work with Elon Musk’s DOGE project can be leveraged to improve transparency and lower costs in Thai government operations.