Bangkok: In the first nine months of 2024, foreign investment in Thailand exceeded 130 billion baht, indicating strong confidence among international investors in the country’s economic potential. The government has reported that Japan remains the largest investor, contributing significantly to this financial influx.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangtrakul, an advisor to the Prime Minister, disclosed that from January to September 2024, a total of 636 foreign investors were authorized to invest in Thailand under the Foreign Business Act. Of these, 143 were granted business licenses, while 493 received business certificates, resulting in a cumulative investment of 134,805 million baht. This investment is anticipated to enhance business circulation and generate numerous jobs across various production sectors. Compared to the same period last year, the investment figures for this year have shown a 29 percent increase.
Mr. Jirayu further elaborated that the top five investing countries were Japan,
Singapore, China, the United States, and Hong Kong. Japanese investors led with 157 investors contributing 74,091 million baht. Singapore followed with 96 investors and 12,222 million baht, China with 89 investors and 11,981 million baht, the United States with 86 investors and 4,147 million baht, and Hong Kong with 46 investors and 14,116 million baht. Japanese investors have maintained their top position since last year.
In the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area, foreign investment also showed significant growth. There were 207 investors, marking a 109 percent increase from the previous year, with a total investment value of 39,830 million baht. This represents 30 percent of the total foreign investment in Thailand. Among these, Japanese investors again led with 67 investors and an investment of 13,191 million baht, followed by China with 54 investors and 7,227 million baht, and Hong Kong with 18 investors and 5,219 million baht.
Key sectors attracting foreign investment include platform and software bu
sinesses, which accounted for 28,397.26 million baht or 7.27 percent of the total investment. Singapore was the largest investor in these sectors, followed by Taiwan and Malaysia.
Mr. Jirayu emphasized that the investment figures indicate strong confidence in Thailand’s stability and investment potential, particularly in transportation and domestic investment support. The government’s strategy focuses on exploring new investment markets, maintaining existing ones, and expanding tangible investments, supported by Thailand’s favorable investment conditions, infrastructure, raw materials, and industrial readiness.