BOI figures show Thailand’s actual investment up 28% to over THB260bn
The government wants foreign investors to use more Thai suppliers and develop local skills, with a Japan roadshow planned to attract investment.
- Actual investment in Thailand, recorded by the Board of Investment (BOI), rose by 28% year-on-year to over THB260 billion in the third quarter of 2026.
- The figures represent actual investment that has taken place, not just applications, and mark the third consecutive quarter of growth.
- The top three industries attracting investment were the digital sector, smart electronics, and food and agriculture.
- The government highlighted that this investment has generated approximately 600,000 jobs since the start of the year.
Actual investment recorded by the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) rose 28% year on year to more than THB260 billion in the third quarter of 2026, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Friday (November 13, 2026).
He had presented the figures to the prime minister earlier that day.
He also instructed the BOI secretary-general to speed up talks with all investors operating in Thailand to bring more Thai businesses into foreign investors’ manufacturing supply chains.
He called for raw materials and components to be sourced from Thai suppliers so domestic businesses could benefit directly from investment, rather than Thailand merely serving as a production base for foreign companies.
“The figures presented to the prime minister represent investment that has actually taken place, not figures for investment promotion applications. Investment has grown for three consecutive quarters, with a 28% year-on-year increase in the third quarter, reflecting continued growth in investor confidence in Thailand. The BOI secretary-general will provide the full details in a further media briefing,” Ekniti said.
Strong growth in three investment sectors
Most investment went into construction, with investment in that category rising by more than 30%. The increase brought signs of improvement in both employment and contracting businesses in Thailand’s construction sector. By industry, the digital sector attracted the most investment.
This was consistent with statements by the World Bank and at international forums confirming that Thailand is among the countries benefiting from the trend towards digital investment.
Smart electronics ranked second and recorded very strong growth.
The sector covers sensors and other electronic devices, many of which are used in the automotive industry, including sensors fitted around modern vehicles.
The smart electronics sector also covers components for optical data transmission.
Food and agriculture ranked third, particularly food processing.
“These figures show that the Thai economy is improving and are consistent with the economic team’s investment-led approach. Investment will help revive the economy in the short term and strengthen the country’s competitiveness over the long term,” Ekniti said.
Ekniti said the key aim was to encourage foreign investors to transfer more skills and employ more Thai people.
Investment had generated employment for about 600,000 people since the start of the year, and the government would push for incoming investment to create more jobs and develop Thai workers’ skills.
Japan roadshow to strengthen investor confidence
To attract further investment, Ekniti said he would lead a BOI delegation and business representatives to Japan for a roadshow the following week.
The delegation would include private-sector representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers’ Association and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, alongside representatives of seven key industries expected to lead the country’s economic development: modern agriculture, processed food, smart electronics, next-generation vehicles, hotels and restaurants, wholesale and retail trade, and the creative economy.
Representatives of the wellness industry would also take part.
“This trip is important, and many Japanese investors have requested meetings with the delegation, particularly those in Japan’s automotive industry, which is very interested in investing in Thailand following the restructuring of Thai excise taxes to encourage investment. I believe this visit will help Thailand continue to attract investment and provide a driving force for the country’s economy in the years ahead.”
On maintaining a balance among investors from different countries, the deputy prime minister said Thailand’s position had been clear since the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings held in Thailand: it was neutral and could trade with all sides.
The “Trusted Connector” concept meant being a country trusted by all sides and a link between nations, even amid intense global conflict.
He added that Thailand’s position was now very clear and that China’s premier would visit Thailand soon, another sign of interest in the country from nations around the world.
Following the IMF-World Bank meetings, Thailand’s strengths had become clear again and the country was once more attracting attention on the international stage.
