BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Business Development announced significant growth in foreign investment during the first four months of 2025 (January-April), with 363 foreign nationals receiving permission to establish businesses under the Foreign Business Act of 1999—a substantial 43% increase from the previous year. The total investment value reached 57.86 billion baht, or about US$1.77 billion, marking a 5% increase.
Foreign investors gained business authorization through two main channels: 87 cases through direct foreign business licenses and 276 cases through business certification.
Top 5 Investing Countries:
- Japan led with 71 cases (20% of all foreign businesses), investing 17.25 billion baht, or about US$528.19 million. Japanese companies focused on supplying industrial components, offshore pipeline connection services for oil drilling projects, EV charging station services, and contract manufacturing.
- The US contributed 51 cases (14%), worth 2.48 billion baht, or about US$76 million, primarily investing in retail operations, warehouse services, data centers, and contract manufacturing.
- Singapore accounted for 45 cases (12%), valued at 9.13 billion baht, or US$279.48 million. Singaporean investments concentrated on railway system control and data management services, modern distribution centers, software development for resale, and contract manufacturing.
- China represented 43 cases (12%), totaling 6.47 billion baht, or US$198.10 million. Chinese investors focused on procuring raw materials and industrial components for domestic wholesale, free zone customs services, factory rental facilities with utilities, and contract manufacturing.
- Hong Kong contributed 40 cases (11%), worth 5.77 billion baht, or US$176.64 million, investing in modern distribution centers, EV charging stations, data centers with cloud services, and contract manufacturing.
Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Investment Surge:
The EEC region attracted particular attention with 108 foreign investors (30% of total foreign investment, up 40% from the previous year), contributing 31.36 billion baht, or $960.3 million (54% of total investment). EEC investments focused on specialized sectors including plastic mold retail for component manufacturing, refrigeration equipment parts, tire manufacturing machinery components, and metal surface coating services. (PRD)
