January 2025 / Thailand

The digital sector, which includes data centers and cloud services, topped last year for the first time the sectorial rankings by value with 150 projects worth a combined 243.3 billion baht in pledged investment. Major projects in this sector in 2024 included applications to setup large data centers by units of large tech and cloud services companies such as Google (Alphabet) from the U.S., Australia’s NextDC, India’s CtrlS Datacenters, and Singapore-based GDS IDC Services PTE Ltd.

The electronics and electrical appliances (E&E) sector, which had attracted the largest share of investment in recent years, came in second last year with 407 projects worth 231.7 billion baht. Noticeable large projects in this sector last year included an investment by a unit of Foxsemicon Integrated Technology Inc. (Fiti Group) to build a factory to make high-precision machinery parts and equipment for the semiconductor industry, and an investment by FT1 Corporation, a Thailand-Hong Kong-Singapore wafer manufacturing joint venture between Hana Microelectronics and PTT Group to produce silicon carbide wafers.

The automotive sector came in third with 309 projects worth 102.4 billion baht. Agriculture and food ranked fourth with 329 projects worth 87.6 billion baht, followed by petrochemicals and chemicals with 235 projects worth a combined value of 49.1 billion baht.

“Investors’ response to our policy to promote Thailand as a safe and neutral location for large digital sector and smart electronics projects has been very impressive last year, with important projects by groups like Google, in cloud services, and Foxsemicon, in the semiconductor supply chain,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI. “We expect this trend to get even stronger in 2025 following the setup of Thailand’s Semiconductor Board and the need for more companies to mitigate risk in view of the current geopolitical situation.”

In December, Thailand’s newly appointed National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Committee, or Semiconductor Board, approved the framework for the sector’s strategy, and for the development of a skilled workforce to prepare for a new wave of FDI which the Government estimates could attract 500 billion baht investment by 2029.

“In close coordination with the Government, the BOI will conduct during this year roadshows to all key FDI source markets, and technology hubs, including China, the U.S., Japan, and Europe, to promote our policies and meet potential investors,” Mr. Narit added. Later this month, Mr. Narit will join Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Other sectors expected to see growing investment in 2025 include the production of clean energy, for which the demand is rising especially due to the demand from the digital and electronics sector, Mr. Narit said. Also showing great growth potential this year are the electric vehicles (EV) and parts industry which is still building on the growth seen in recent years, the agritech and the foodtech sectors, as well as the medical and tourism infrastructures, he added.

The total number of applications for investment promotion in all sectors filed during January to December 2024 increased 40% to 3,137 projects, from 2,235 projects in the same period of 2023. The total adjusted investment value of the project applications for all of 2023 was 846.5 billion baht.

FDI Applications Up 25% Year-on-Year

FDI represented 73% of the total value of applications in 2024, after rising 25% from the previous year.

Singapore led the FDI source rankings with 305 projects mostly in digital services, and electronics manufacturing, representing a total investment value of 357.5 billion baht, or 43% of total FDI applications. Most of the investment came from Chinese and American companies using Singapore as a regional base, reflecting the competition between the two countries in the tech sector.

China was the second largest source of FDI applications with 810 projects worth a total of 174.6 billion baht led by PCB, automotive, and metal products manufacturing businesses.

Hong Kong came next with 177 projects worth a total investment value of 82.3 billion baht, including the production of wafer fab, a key raw material in the semiconductor industry, as well as data center, PCB, chemicals and plastics manufacturing.

Companies based in Taiwan filed 126 applications worth a total of 50 billion baht in investment value, with high-value projects in the production of advanced semiconductor equipment and components, PCB and smart electronic products.

Japan ranked fifth with 271 projects worth a combined investment value of 49.1 billion baht, with most projects in areas of expertise, such as the automotive and parts sector, motorcycle manufacturing, aircraft tires, digital camera and air conditioner manufacturing, all activities of importance to Thailand’s industrial sector.

Source: boi.go.th

Thailand's export sector achieved a record high in 2024, with total exports reaching 300.5 billion US dollars (approximately 10.5 trillion baht), a 5.4% increase from the previous year. December exports alone grew by 8.7%, reflecting six consecutive months of growth. Key markets driving this performance included the United States, China, Japan, and the European Union, alongside strong growth in emerging markets such as South Asia, the Middle East, and Russia.

The Ministry of Commerce forecasts export growth of 2-3% in 2025, supported by global economic stability, low inflation, and an increase in production bases relocating to ASEAN countries, including Thailand. The government’s Soft Power efforts, which promote Thai cultural identity in global markets, are also expected to contribute. Challenges remain, including geopolitical tensions, exchange rate fluctuations, and trade policy uncertainties in major economies such as the United States, which the ministry is addressing through diplomatic and economic outreach.

Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan plans to visit the United States in February to discuss trade issues, including potential tariff adjustments on Thai exports. Efforts to expand market access and strengthen trade ties are expected to play a key role in sustaining export momentum in 2025.

During the Lunar New Year celebrations, Thailand is preparing to welcome over 4 million tourists, including 700,000 visitors from China, a 22.6% increase from the previous year. Airports of Thailand (AOT) has implemented measures to handle the rise in passenger traffic, with over 24,500 flights and more than 4 million travelers expected between January 24 and February 2. Additional staff have been deployed across service points, including immigration and security, to ensure smooth operations.

Safety measures at airports have been enhanced, with inspections to mitigate bird and wildlife hazards and strict adherence to international safety standards. Passengers are advised to arrive early during peak travel periods to avoid delays. AOT has established a 24-hour contact center to assist travelers with inquiries throughout the holiday season.

Source: thailand.prd.go.th