Thailand’s foreign investment soars 60% in first nine months

Foreign investment in Thailand skyrocketed by 60% to 134 billion baht in 2024, with Japan spearheading this growth. Notably, investments in the platform and software sectors totaled 28.3 billion baht, resulting in the creation of 2,505 new jobs.

Foreign investment in Thailand surged 60% to 134 billion baht in 2024, led by Japan. Investment in platform and software sectors reached 28.3 billion, creating 2,505 jobs.

Key takeaways

  • Foreign investment in Thailand surged by 60% to 134 billion baht in the first nine months of the year, with Japan as the leading contributor.
  • The influx of foreign capital led to the creation of 2,505 jobs for Thai workers, showcasing the positive impact on local employment.
  • The platform and software sectors emerged as key areas for attracting foreign investment, totalling 28.3 billion baht.

Foreign investment in Thailand has experienced a remarkable surge, increasing by 60% to 134 billion baht during the first nine months of this year.

This robust growth has been primarily driven by Japanese investors, who emerged as the leading source of foreign capital.

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed that 636 businesses received approvals under the Foreign Business Act, reflecting a substantial 29% rise compared to the previous year, indicating a growing confidence among foreign investors in the Thai market.

The influx of foreign investment has had a significant impact on the local economy, resulting in the creation of 2,505 jobs for Thai workers.

Japan’s substantial contribution amounted to 74 billion baht from 157 applications, followed closely by investments from Singapore and China.

This influx of capital is pivotal for Thailand, especially as the nation seeks to strengthen its economic foundations amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Jirayu highlighted that platform and software businesses are increasingly vital for attracting foreign investment, with these sectors alone garnering 28.3 billion baht.

Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia were identified as the top investors in these industries, underscoring the importance of technology-driven sectors in Thailand’s ongoing economic development and strategy to position itself as a regional investment hub.