Alibaba founder Jack Ma leaves Japan for Thailand as billionaire extends his study of farming technologies, people say

Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group Holding and the affiliated fintech group Ant Group, has left Japan and arrived in Thailand to continue his study of farming and fishery, according to people familiar with his itinerary.

Ma was pictured on social media with Jay Fai, owner of a Michelin-starred food stall in Bangkok as well as attending Muay Thai boxing training in the city, a week after he delivered a two-and-half minute video to Chinese rural teachers in his foundation’s charity programme. “I hope to see you all offline as soon as possible,” Ma said.

Ma’s whereabouts have been closely watched in recent months as he is still seen by many as the face of Chinese private entrepreneurship, even though he has relinquished most of his business titles, including as chairman of a guild of provincial private businesses.

Ma, the 58-year-old billionaire who has resigned from his corporate roles, grabbed headlines on Saturday after Ant Group announced that he has agreed to relinquish his control at the Hangzhou-based fintech group in a complicated voting rights change at two holding vehicles.

His trip to Japan in late 2022 fanned speculation over whether Ma has decided to settle down in the country. The Post reported earlier that Ma spent three months in Japan, where he looked into the operations and technology of fish farms.