Thailand is witnessing a surge in investment, with the government expecting at least 1
trillion baht ($28.8 billion) in 2025. This is even as the second-largest economy in
Southeast Asia makes keen efforts to attract more foreign investors to commit their
funds to the country. This follows a record-breaking 1.14 trillion baht ($32.8 billion) in
investment pledges last year – reaching a 10-year high driven by robust foreign interest
in data centres and cloud services.
According to Reuters, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has highlighted the
country’s appeal as a secure and attractive destination for long-term investments as the
BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi emphasised that investment is on track
to exceed 5 trillion baht under a five-year plan launched in 2023.
Major Investors in Thailand, Their Investment Values, and Areas of Focus
1. Singapore
○ Investment Value: 357.5 billion baht
○ Projects: 305
○ Areas of Focus: Digital services and electronics manufacturing
○ Contribution: 43% of total FDI applications in 2024
2. China
○ Investment Value: 174.6 billion baht
○ Projects: 810
○ Areas of Focus: Printed circuit boards, automotive, and metal products
manufacturing
Drivers of Thailand’s investment
Thailand’s growing investment appeal is driven by:
● Relocation of Operations: Companies moving away from China to Southeast
Asia to avoid potential tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration are
investing in Thailand.
● Tax Incentives: The introduction of refundable tax credit measures by the
government to reduce the impact of the 15% global minimum corporate tax has
enhanced its attractiveness to multinational enterprises.