Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the DBD, said the tally in 2025 set a record for foreign investment, with Singapore leading the way at B103bn, followed by Japan with B85.6bn, China B35bn, Taiwan B17bn and Mauritius B16.5bn.
A total of 1,078 foreign investors operated in Thailand, creating 6,647 jobs for the local workforce, reports the Bangkok Post.
The top 10 business categories attracted a combined investment of more than B282bn from 797 investors, accounting for 87% of total foreign investment capital in 2025, noted the DBD.
Contract manufacturing services topped the list with B119bn or 36.7% of total investment from 354 investors, followed by computer services including software, platform development and data centres with B65.9bn from 64 investors.
Space and goods leasing services attracted B34.5bn from 82 investors, while engineering services received B27.3bn from 36 investors.
Consulting and management services recorded B9.47bn from 69 investors, wholesale trade B8.96bn from 92 investors, financial services B7.62bn from 39 investors, accounting services B4.95bn from 19 investors, hotel businesses B2.56bn from eight investors, and contract services with private sector partners such as construction and petroleum drilling B1.85bn from 34 investors.
Mr Poonpong said foreign business operations in these sectors help transfer advanced technologies and specialised skills to Thai workers.
The department anticipates foreign investment in Thailand to remain strong this year thanks to the country’s modern technological infrastructure and favourable economic system, which enhances foreign investors’ competitiveness.
New investments are expected in high-tech industries such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, electric vehicles and components; healthcare and medical services; and environmentally friendly food and sustainable products, in line with global business trends.