NONTHABURI - Thailand approved 736 foreign businesses to operate in the first seven months of 2026, up 26% from the same period last year.
The Department of Business Development, under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, said the number increased by 153 from 583 approvals in January-July 2025. Reported investment associated with the approvals reached THB219.208 billion, up THB59.748 billion, or about 37%, from THB159.46 billion a year earlier.
China accounted for the largest number of approved businesses during the seven-month period, with 133, followed by the United States with 121, Singapore with 97, Japan with 94 and Hong Kong with 72.
Singapore led by reported investment value at THB61.112 billion, followed by Japan at THB45.085 billion and China at THB38.603 billion.
In July alone, 96 foreign businesses were permitted to operate, representing THB31.594 billion in reported investment. China, Singapore and the United States recorded the largest numbers of approvals during the month.
The 736 businesses entered through two regulatory routes. A total of 177 received foreign business licences, while 559 received foreign business certificates under investment-promotion legislation, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand provisions, or applicable treaty and international-agreement rights.
Of the total, 360 businesses were associated with Board of Investment promotion, representing about 49% of all approvals and THB157.328 billion in reported investment.
BOI-linked activities included contract manufacturing for aircraft-engine components, automated machinery and smart electronics, as well as high-value business services, data centres and software or platform development.
The DBD also reported 5,229 Thai workers employed by investors using the foreign-business licence route, 1,144 more than in the same period of 2025.
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor attracted 220 approved foreign investors between January and July, up 25% from 176 a year earlier. Their reported investment totalled THB85.615 billion, equivalent to about 39% of the nationwide amount covered by the DBD figures. The EEC spans Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong provinces.
The figures measure businesses permitted to operate under Thailand’s foreign-business regulatory framework and should not be read as the country’s total foreign direct investment.
Under official Foreign Business Act guidance, foreign-majority companies conducting restricted activities may require a foreign business licence, while qualifying BOI-promoted companies can obtain a foreign business certificate.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the DBD, said the BOI-linked investment was in line with the government’s policy of attracting foreign investment in future industries, including advanced technology, digital industries, AI, electric vehicles, clean energy and agri-food.
