Version 2.1
Effective Date: June 18, 2025
Issued by: CMBN Editorial Department
1. Purpose of These Guidelines
The Chiang Mai Business Network (CMBN) exists to support, connect, and inform the business community in Northern Thailand. These editorial guidelines provide a clear framework for contributors, ensuring every article published meets CMBN’s standards for quality, clarity, accuracy, and usefulness.
This guide applies to all content submitted for publication on the CMBN platform, including blog posts, white papers, industry reports, interviews, opinion pieces, and newsletters.
2. Editorial Values and Objectives
CMBN publishes content that is:
- Actionable – providing practical steps, insights, or takeaways
- Locally relevant – grounded in the context of Chiang Mai and Thailand
- Accurate – based on verifiable facts, proper sourcing, and transparent assumptions
- Respectful – of diverse perspectives, cultural nuances, and legal considerations
- Original – created specifically for CMBN or properly adapted with approval
We aim to build a trusted resource for entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and professionals doing business in or with Chiang Mai.
3. Style and Tone
3.1 Voice
Write in a tone that is:
- Professional but approachable
- Confident without being promotional
- Clear, focused, and respectful
- Tailored for smart, time-conscious readers
3.2 Language Use
- Use active voice and simple sentence structures
- Prefer clarity over complexity
- Avoid jargon, buzzwords, and vague phrases
Avoid using phrases such as:
“Unlock the power of,” “tailored for success,” “navigate today’s landscape,” “crafted to meet your needs,” “in the world of business,” “ever-evolving,” or similar overused terms.
4. Structure and Format
All submissions must include:
- Title (65–75 characters recommended)
- Short introduction explaining what the reader will gain
- Clear subheadings every 150–200 words
- Bulleted or numbered lists for complex points or steps
- Internal links to relevant CMBN content
- Conclusion or call to action (e.g., “Learn more,” “Attend our next event,” “Download the full report”)
Use formatting to enhance readability: short paragraphs, line breaks, and consistent heading levels (H2, H3).
5. Sourcing, Research, and Attribution
We expect all factual claims, data points, and third-party insights to be properly attributed.
Acceptable sources include:
- Government and agency sites (BOI, NESDC, DBD, Ministry of Finance, etc.)
- Academic research and policy papers
- Reputable media outlets (Bangkok Post, Nikkei Asia, ASEAN Briefing, etc.)
- Original data or interviews conducted by the contributor or CMBN
Avoid citing Wikipedia, AI-generated content, or unsourced blog posts.
6. Plagiarism and Attribution Policy
6.1 Definition
Plagiarism is the act of using another person’s words, work, or ideas without proper credit. This includes:
- Copying and pasting text without citation
- Rephrasing content without changing its structure or attribution
- Submitting previously published work without acknowledgment
6.2 How to Avoid Plagiarism
- Use your own words and ideas whenever possible
- If referencing someone else’s work, cite it clearly and provide a link
- Use quotation marks for direct quotes
- Paraphrase responsibly and meaningfully
Before submitting, contributors are encouraged to check their work using a free tool such as:
Quetext or PlagiarismDetector.net
6.3 Review Process
All submissions are reviewed for originality. If plagiarism is detected, the piece will be returned for revision or rejected.
7. Visual Content Guidelines
- Use high-quality, royalty-free or original images
- Include image credits and alt text for accessibility
- Submit images separately with filenames and captions
- Avoid logos, branding, or promotional visuals unless explicitly cleared
8. Submission Instructions
Send all submissions to: cmbn@chiangmaibusiness.net
Please include:
- Final draft (Google Docs, Word, or plain-text HTML)
- Short author bio (40–80 words) and headshot
- Suggested internal links or tags
- Any images or visuals with alt text and attributions
The editorial team will review your submission within 3–5 business days. We may return articles for revision or provide feedback before publishing.
9. Contributor Recognition
Contributors receive:
- Full byline and author page on ChiangMaiBusiness.net
- Opportunities to be featured in newsletters and at events
- Priority for co-authoring white papers or participating in expert roundups
Regular contributors may be invited to join our editorial roundtable or workshop panelists.
10. Content Themes and Topics
10.1 Core Topics
We prioritize practical, experience-based content in the following areas:
- SME development, business setup, and company registration in Thailand
- How to run, manage, and grow a business
- Sales, marketing, branding, and customer acquisition
- Hiring, team management, workplace culture, and HR processes
- Taxation, finance, legal compliance, and local business regulations
- Local market trends, economic policy, and government incentives
- Real estate, land use, zoning, and urban development
- Chiang Mai’s events, networking ecosystem, and professional communities
10.2 Expanded Topics
We also welcome thoughtful submissions on:
- Sustainability, green economy, and social enterprise
- Digital tools, software, and automation for SMEs
- The startup ecosystem and innovation in Chiang Mai
- Remote work, coworking, and the digital nomad economy
- Hospitality, tourism, F&B, and creative industries
- Cross-border trade, export logistics, and regional investment
- Community impact initiatives and grassroots entrepreneurship
- Case studies, founder stories, and interviews with local business leaders
Articles must be fact-based, respectful, and relevant to the Chiang Mai business landscape.
11. Contact
For article pitches, questions, or editorial support, contact:
Email: cmbn@chiangmaibusiness.net
Pitch subject line: Pitch: [Your Topic]
Submission subject line: Submission: [Final Title]
