Thailand Foreign Investment Jumps 73% to 153.56 Billion Baht in 5 Months
Updated
Updated · Nation Thailand · Jun 20
Thailand Foreign Investment Jumps 73% to 153.56 Billion Baht in 5 Months
1 articles · Updated · Nation Thailand · Jun 20
Summary
153.56 billion baht of foreign investment was approved in Thailand from January to May, up 73% year on year, as 528 investors won permission to operate under the Foreign Business Act.
528 approvals were 24% higher than a year earlier, and foreign business licence holders generated 3,788 Thai jobs, up 48% from the same period of 2025.
101.66 billion baht—about two-thirds of the total—came through Board of Investment promotion, with the government steering capital toward advanced technology, digital, AI, EV, clean energy and agri-food sectors.
Singapore led by investment value at 36.53 billion baht, followed by China at 30.02 billion baht and Japan at 27.26 billion baht, while the United States had the most investors at 87.
161 investors chose the Eastern Economic Corridor, accounting for 30% of all approvals and nearly 60 billion baht, underscoring continued demand for Thailand’s manufacturing, services and digital hubs.
As foreign investment surges 73%, what explains the disconnect with Thailand's sluggish 1.4% economic growth forecast?
Beyond attracting billions, how will Thailand cultivate the 230,000 skilled workers needed for its 'Made in Thailand chips' goal?
Can Thailand's new semiconductor ambitions succeed while it navigates complex US-China tech rivalries and domestic regulations?
Thailand’s FDI Soars 73% in Early 2026: Drivers, Risks, and the Road to High-Income Status
Overview
In early 2026, Thailand saw a record surge in foreign direct investment (FDI), with approved investments reaching 153.56 billion baht—a 73% year-on-year increase from 528 investors. This remarkable growth reflects robust economic expansion and renewed international confidence, building on a trend that began in late 2025 and accelerated into 2026. The key driver was the Thailand Board of Investment’s introduction of refreshed investment promotion measures in January 2026, following the expiration of previous programs. Combined with a global easing of financing conditions, these policy changes have positioned Thailand as an increasingly attractive destination for international capital.