Business collaboration between BOI and Japan aims to stimulate financial investment in Thailand's emerging trade period
Japanese investment in Thailand is currently experiencing a surge, with a focus on five key sectors that were highlighted during recent discussions between Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC).
Over the past 10 years (2015 - June 2025), Japan has submitted 2,620 investment promotion applications to the BOI, with a total investment value exceeding 700 billion baht. This strong commitment from Japanese investors is a testament to their confidence in Thailand's business environment.
The main trends and sectors receiving focus include:
- Infrastructure development: Japanese investors are keen on investing in Thailand's infrastructure, recognising its potential for growth and development.
- Clean energy projects: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, Japanese companies are interested in investing in clean energy projects in Thailand.
- Digital skills and technology sectors: The digital revolution is another area where Japanese investors see significant potential for growth.
- Natural rubber supply: Given Thailand’s aging plantations and labor challenges, Japanese investors are increasingly attentive to natural rubber supply. This is due to the strategic importance of Thai rubber in the global market, particularly in the context of rising electric vehicle (EV) demand.
- Hybrid automobiles, electronics, machinery, food, and metal products: Japanese companies are particularly interested in investing in these sectors, reflecting their strategic priorities in the Thai market.
The BOI, as the lead agency, organised the event in collaboration with relevant business-related agencies. During the meetings, the BOI presented updates on investment promotion policies and initiatives, highlighting improvements in service systems and facilitation efforts for Japanese investors.
One such initiative is the establishment of the Thailand Investment and Expat Service Centre (TIESC), a new one-stop service aimed at simplifying the process for foreign investors. The BOI has also prepared mechanisms for clean energy for Japanese companies aiming to go green.
Moreover, the economic outlook index has shown signs of recovery, improving from -11 in the second half of 2024 to -7 in the first half of 2025. There are expectations for it to rise to -2 in the latter half of this year.
JETRO will continue to promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Thailand and Japan, including supporting the collaboration of Thai and Japanese industries. Abe emphasised that despite the uncertainty surrounding US import tax policies, Japanese investors remain committed to doing business in Thailand.
In conclusion, Japanese investments in Thailand concentrate on infrastructure, clean energy, digital innovation, and natural rubber supply linked to EV growth, supported by active collaboration between BOI, JETRO, and JCC to sustain and expand these trends. The strong growth in Japanese investment in Thailand underscores the country's attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment.
Read also:
- Foreign financial aid for German citizens residing abroad persists
- "Germany appears less environmentally friendly compared to Texas, according to Harald Lesch's climate documentary"
- Investing 1 billion funds into the police force of North Rhine-Westphalia for battling rodents and mold issues
- Tesla resurrects transferred Full Self-Driving feature amid other promotional offers
