Thailand targets Japanese investment in semiconductors and automotive manufacturing

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will lead a Thai government and business delegation to Japan from November 18–20, 2026, to strengthen investment cooperation in semiconductors, automotive manufacturing and other advanced industries.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), announced that the delegation would include the industry minister, the Finance Ministry’s permanent secretary, the Customs Department’s director-general and representatives of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).

The heads of the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Bankers’ Association will join the mission, alongside more than 40 Thai businesspeople.

Narit described Japan as one of Thailand’s most important economic partners, having contributed to the country’s industrial development, technological capabilities and supply chains for more than 50 years.

The visit is intended to reinforce Thailand’s commitment to supporting Japanese investors while encouraging them to expand into higher-technology activities. It will also provide opportunities for Thai companies to develop partnerships with Japanese businesses in priority industries.

Talks planned with six Japanese carmakers

The delegation is scheduled to meet six Japanese automotive manufacturers with production operations in Thailand: Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Nissan.

Discussions will cover government measures to support the automotive industry, including changes to the vehicle tax structure aimed at ensuring fair competition and encouraging domestic production.

Thai officials will also outline plans to strengthen local automotive parts manufacturers and support the industry's transition towards new vehicle technologies.

The meetings will give Japanese manufacturers an opportunity to discuss their business strategies, future investment plans and recommendations for developing Thailand’s automotive sector.

Narit indicated that the discussions would be important in maintaining confidence in Thailand as a long-term manufacturing and investment base.

Semiconductor partnership takes centre stage

The BOI will organise a meeting under the banner of the Thailand–Japan Semiconductor Strategic Partnership, bringing together Thai officials and executives from leading Japanese semiconductor companies.

Thailand will present its recently announced National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Strategy, which aims to develop the country's capabilities in higher-technology industries.

The meeting will explore how Japan’s expertise in chip manufacturing can be linked to investment opportunities under Thailand’s industrial strategy.

Discussions will also address technology development, workforce training and cooperation between businesses in the two countries.

The BOI intends to gather recommendations from Japanese industry leaders to help shape future investment and technology partnerships.

Thai business leaders to meet Keidanren

The visit will mark the first time the leaders of all three JSCCIB member organisations have joined the same delegation for meetings with Japanese government agencies and businesses.

A central event will be the Thailand–Japan Investment and Business Dialogue 2026, jointly organised by the BOI and Keidanren, also known as the Japan Business Federation.

The forum will allow business leaders and entrepreneurs from both countries to exchange views on trade and investment trends and identify opportunities for cooperation.

Three sectors will receive particular attention: electric and other electrified vehicles (xEVs) and their components; supply chains serving data centres and advanced electronics; and electricity grid modernisation, including equipment used in power transmission and distribution.

Government meetings to support investment

The delegation is also scheduled to hold discussions with Japan’s minister of economy, trade and industry and the chairman of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

The talks will focus on investment promotion, Thailand’s readiness to accommodate new projects and opportunities to upgrade Japanese companies’ manufacturing operations in Thailand.

A separate meeting with Japan’s finance minister will examine longer-term economic and investment cooperation.

One area for discussion will be Japan’s Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia), an initiative intended to strengthen energy security and supply chain resilience among Asian partners.

Thailand hopes to explore how the framework could support further Japanese investment and the transition towards cleaner energy in the country.

Narit emphasised that bringing together senior government officials and the three major Thai business organisations would demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to its economic relationship with Japan.

“This joint government-private sector roadshow sends a strong signal to Japanese investors, demonstrating the government’s sincerity and determination to strengthen its economic partnership with Japan,” he said.

He added that Thailand was ready to listen to, support and grow alongside Japanese investors.

The JSCCIB would help translate policy-level cooperation into business partnerships, creating opportunities for companies in both countries to collaborate on modern industries, technology development, workforce capabilities and future supply chains.

Japanese investment applications remain substantial

BOI figures show that Japanese investors submitted applications for investment promotion covering 302 projects worth more than THB113.7 billion in 2025.

The proposed investment value was more than double the previous year’s figure.

During the first nine months of 2026, Japanese companies submitted applications covering another 192 projects, representing more than THB45.4 billion in proposed investment.

Most applications were concentrated in digital industries, agriculture and food, electronics and automotive manufacturing.