Thailand is one of the investment targets of foreign investors, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there are many limitations that result in less investment, after the pandemic situation has been resolved, the government has prepared policies to support and attract investment, such as updating the law and issuing incentive measures for foreign investors. 

          During 2022, Thailand attracted more foreign investors, which also led to higher investment and employment rates in Thailand.

          According to the Department of Business Development, the Ministry of Commerce, it was revealed that throughout the first 11 months of 2022 (Jan.-Nov.), under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), a total of 530 foreign investors were allowed to invest in Thailand.

The top five countries with the highest level of investment in Thailand are the following:

1. Japan: 137 investors (26%) with investment capital of 39,000 million baht;
2. Singapore: 85 investors (16%) with investment capital of 11,999 million baht;
3. United States of America: 70 investors (13%) with investment capital of 3,343 million baht;
4. Hong Kong: 38 investors (7%) with investment capital of 8,451 million baht;
5. China: 25 investors (5%) with investment capital of 22,677 million baht.

          Among these 530 foreign investors, 198 investors have foreign business licenses and 332 investors have foreign business certificates, with a total investment capital of 112,466 million baht and employing 5,008 Thai people.

As for investment in the EEC, it was found that most foreign investors invested during January-November 2022, as follows:

1. Japan: 42 investors with investment capital of 24,520 million baht;
2. China: 9 investors with investment capital of 10,956 million baht;
3. Singapore: investors with investment capital of 2,156 million baht.

          In addition, there are 105 foreign investors interested in investing in the EEC, representing 20% of the total number of investors, and the investment capital in the EEC is 48,316 million baht, representing 43% of the total investment capital.

          The businesses invested in by these foreign investors include international distribution center services with modern systems, software development services providing design and development of production control management systems in factories and inventory management systems, and engineering and technical services, such as application development and software upgrades.