BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand recorded more than 535.8 billion baht in actual investment from projects promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) during the first half of 2026, an increase of 27% from the same period last year, with the projects creating more than 630,000 jobs for Thai workers.
Lalida Pertwiwattana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the government is closely monitoring the results of investment promotion, with greater emphasis on actual capital deployed and the benefits generated for the Thai economy rather than simply the value of investment applications.
BOI data showed that actual investment during the first six months of 2026 reached more than 535.8 billion baht. Investment during the second quarter alone exceeded 250 billion baht.
More than 60% of the 630,000 jobs created through BOI-promoted investment are in advanced electronics, automotive, digital technology, automation and robotics, reflecting the growing role of technology-intensive industries in Thailand’s economy.
Of the total actual investment, more than 127 billion baht was invested in businesses related to artificial intelligence and advanced electronics. These projects cover a wide range of activities, including optical data-transmission equipment, printed circuit boards (PCBs), high-capacity hard disk drives, AI servers, smart electronic devices and digital infrastructure.
The government said the figures reflect Thailand’s efforts to build on its existing manufacturing base while moving toward industries that use more advanced technology and generate greater added value.
Lalida said the government’s goal is not simply to increase the value of investment entering Thailand but to ensure that new investment creates jobs and income while giving Thai businesses greater opportunities to participate in supply chains.
The BOI will focus on three key areas: developing the ecosystem for smart electronics, upgrading manufacturing through digital technology, automation and clean energy, and linking investment with workforce development, Thai businesses, technology transfer and research and development.
“The more than 535.8 billion baht is actual investment that has already taken place, not merely applications for investment promotion,” Lalida said. She added that the important issue is ensuring that investment creates benefits for Thai people through employment, skills development and opportunities for Thai businesses to participate in supply chains.
The government sees advanced electronics as particularly important, with the sector accounting for more than 60% of employment generated by the promoted investment.
The BOI will also work to bring Thai businesses into the supply chains of strategic industries, including semiconductors, smart electronics, AI and next-generation automotive manufacturing.
Lalida said the agency will take proposals from industry and research institutions into account when developing future investment-promotion measures. The aim is to ensure that foreign investment is more closely connected with Thailand’s domestic production base, generating technology and knowledge transfer while improving the long-term competitiveness of Thai businesses.
The government also said it will assess investment performance through broader measures rather than capital value alone. These will include the number of Thai workers employed, the use of domestic suppliers, workforce skills development and technology transfer.
The latest figures come as Thailand seeks to strengthen its position as a regional production and technology hub, with increasing emphasis on high-value industries, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
The government expects stronger links between foreign investment and local businesses to help ensure that new investment generates greater value within Thailand and contributes to sustainable economic growth.
