Figures released by the Department of Business Development (DBD) show 113 foreign investment projects were granted permission under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 during the first month of the year. This compares with 103 projects approved in January 2025.
The total investment value of B33.779bn represents a 46% increase from B23.16bn recorded in January last year. Authorities also reported that 262 Thai nationals were employed by investors applying for foreign business licences, up 15% from 227 in the same period of 2025.
Japan tops investors by value
Japan emerged as the largest investor by value in January, committing B15.315bn across 25 projects, accounting for 22% of all approved foreign businesses, reports the DBD.
Japanese investments included sourcing and procurement of raw materials and components for manufacturing industries, quality assurance services for used goods, software development, and contract manufacturing of electric motors, mould parts and metal components.
China ranked second by number of projects, with 26 approved investments worth B5.39bn, representing 23% of the total. Chinese-funded businesses covered wood processing and furniture components, wholesale of specialised goods such as barcode printers and medical equipment, electric vehicle battery-swapping stations and contract manufacturing of electronic components and machinery.
Singapore placed third by value, investing B5.513bn through 12 companies. Investments included cloud services, modern distribution centres, solar power generation and procurement services for manufacturing supply chains.
The United States recorded 16 projects worth B420mn, focusing on engineering, advertising, food and beverage sales, and software platform design and maintenance.
Hong Kong investors secured 10 approvals valued at B587mn, spanning engineering inspection services, installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment, software enhancement and contract manufacturing of lighting electronics and cast metal parts.
BOI channel drives nearly half of projects
Nearly half of all January approvals – 55 companies or 49% – were granted under the Board of Investment (BOI) framework, reflecting continued alignment with the government’s strategy to attract high-technology and future-industry investment.
Investment value under BOI-related approvals totalled B17.226bn.
The top three categories granted via the BOI channel were contract manufacturing services (including metal, plastic and automotive parts), high-value service businesses such as Trade and Investment Support Offices (TISO), International Business Centers (IBC) and International Procurement Offices (IPO), and computer services including software and platform development.
Officials said the investment profile aligns with national priorities in advanced technology, digital and AI services, electric vehicles, clean energy and agro-food industries.
EEC accounts for 43% of total investment
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continued to attract a significant share of foreign capital. As of the end of January 2026, 38 foreign investors – representing 34% of total foreign investors nationwide – had committed to projects in the EEC, up 31% from 29 investors in January 2025.
Total investment in the EEC reached B14.637bn, accounting for 43% of all foreign investment value in Thailand during the month.
Chinese investors led EEC participation with 19 projects worth B5.293bn. Singapore recorded five investors with B4.31bn in investment, while Japan also had five investors contributing B1.306bn. A further nine countries accounted for B3.728bn combined.
Projects in the EEC include automated system design and installation for industrial production management, development of large-scale tourist attractions featuring multimedia light and sound technology, and contract manufacturing of compressors, electric motors, metal forming parts and automotive rubber components.
Positive start to 2026
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the DBD and Secretary of the Committee on Foreign Business Operations, said the January figures reflect growing investor confidence in Thailand’s economic outlook and industrial direction.
Compared with the same month last year, the number of foreign business permits increased by 10 projects, or 10%, while total investment value rose by B10.619bn.
With strong participation through BOI incentives and continued concentration in the EEC, the early 2026 data is viewed as a positive signal for sustained foreign direct investment growth throughout the year, Mr Poonpong said.