Thailand’s Q1 Investment Applications Surge 97% to THB 431B, Driven by Digital Sector Boom
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Investment promotion applications in Thailand soared to 431.2 billion baht (USD 12.9 billion) in Q1 2025, up 97% year-on-year, the BOI announced. The surge was led by a fivefold increase in digital sector investments, mainly in data centers, and major infrastructure projects.
Bangkok, Thailand — April 30, 2025 — According to Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, the strong performance in the first three months of 2025 reflects growing investor confidence in Thailand’s long-term economic outlook, especially in high-tech industries.
“The data further confirms the trend seen last year, when the digital sector, including data centers and digital services, became the top-ranked sector in terms of investment value,” said Mr. Narit. “This highlights the increasing focus of both domestic and international investors on high-value sectors aligned with our five-year investment strategy.”
Between January and March 2025, the BOI received 822 project applications, up 20% year-on-year. Of these, 618 applications came from foreign investors. Major contributors included investments in transportation infrastructure and digital platforms.
Key Investment Highlights:
- Digital Sector: Applications in the digital sector increased more than fivefold, reaching a total of 94.75 billion baht, primarily driven by five major data center projects worth 94.23 billion baht.
- Infrastructure: The largest single investment was a 109.2 billion baht project by Bangkok Expressway and Metro PCL for the Orange Line, a 35.9-kilometer mass transit line connecting Bangkok’s eastern and western suburbs.
- Electrical & Electronics (E&E): 122 projects valued at 87.81 billion baht.
- Automotive & Parts: 72 projects worth 23.5 billion baht.
- Petrochemicals & Chemicals: 81 projects totaling 13.94 billion baht.
- Agriculture & Food Processing: 61 projects worth 12.72 billion baht.
- Tourism Infrastructure: 10 projects valued at 9.26 billion baht.
Strong FDI Momentum Led by Hong Kong
Foreign direct investment (FDI) applications totaled 267.7 billion baht in Q1 2025, a 62% year-on-year increase.
- Hong Kong led with 135.16 billion baht in pledged investment, accounting for 50% of total FDI. Of this, 72.7 billion baht was directed toward the digital sector.
- China followed with 47.3 billion baht, focusing on metal, electronics, and automotive industries.
- Singapore ranked third with 38.1 billion baht, mostly in E&E and digital.
- Japan (25.1 billion baht) and Taiwan (4.76 billion baht) rounded out the top five FDI sources.
In 2024, Thailand achieved a 10-year high in investment promotion applications, with a total value of 1.14 trillion baht, led by the digital and E&E sectors. The BOI expects this momentum to continue as the country advances its position as a regional hub for high-tech and sustainable industries.
