Top Five Nations Invest THB33.8bn in January

Thailand approved THB33.779 billion in foreign investment from 113 investors in January 2026, marking a 46% increase in total investment value and a 10% rise in permitted investors. The approvals were granted under the Foreign Business Act 1999, according to Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development and Secretary of the Foreign Business Commission. A total of 262 Thai nationals were employed by investors holding Foreign Business Licences, representing a 15% increase.

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Of the 113 investors, 24 received Foreign Business Licences and 89 obtained Foreign Business Certificates through the Investment Promotion Act, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act, or international treaties and agreements. The majority of foreign investment came through Board of Investment (BOI) promotion, accounting for 55 investors, or 49% of all permits, with a combined value of THB17.226 billion. This reflects government policy to attract investment in “Future Industries” including advanced technology, digital, AI, electric vehicles (EV), clean energy and agri-food.

By investment value, Japan led with THB15.315 billion from 25 investors, representing 22% of the total. Japanese businesses included procurement of raw materials and components, used product certification services, software development and contract manufacturing for electric motors, mould parts and metal components. Singapore followed with THB5.513 billion from 12 investors, while China invested THB5.39 billion through 26 investors.

China had the highest number of approved investors at 26, or 23% of the total. Chinese investments covered wood processing for furniture parts, wholesaling of products such as barcode printers and coronary balloon catheters, EV battery swapping station services and contract manufacturing for electronic components, machinery and metal industrial parts. The United States contributed THB420 million from 16 investors and Hong Kong invested THB587 million through 10 investors.

In the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), 38 foreign investors, or 34% of the total, entered the region in January 2026, a 31% increase. Total EEC investment reached THB14.637 billion, accounting for 43% of overall investment value. China led EEC investment with 19 investors and THB5.293 billion, followed by Singapore with THB4.31 billion and Japan with THB1.306 billion.

EEC projects included automation systems for production control, large-scale tourism services such as multimedia light and sound shows and contract manufacturing of compressors, motors, metal products and rubber vehicle parts.

The Nation reported that the top BOI-authorised categories were contract manufacturing services, high-value services such as Trade and Investment Support Offices and International Business Centres and computer services including software and platform development. Authorities indicated continued focus on high-value-added production and digital economy objectives.

Cover picture courtesy of The Nation

Key Takeaways

• Thailand approved THB33.779 billion in foreign investment from 113 investors in January 2026, up 46% in value.

• Japan led by investment value, while China had the highest number of approved investors.

• The Eastern Economic Corridor attracted THB14.637 billion, accounting for 43% of total investment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 18 Feb 2026

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