BOI at 60: Building an Investment Foundation, Powering a Sustainable New Economy
- Written by Media Outreach
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – For six decades, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has been a central architect of Thailand's economic landscape, translating national ambition into sustained industrial growth. Established in 1966, the BOI's enduring legacy is defined by institutional foresight and policy adaptability, evolving from laying the groundwork for import-substitution industries in its early years to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse and navigating global economic shifts, while demonstrating continued commitment to technological and social development. 

60 Years of BOI
This evolution is reflected in long-standing investment relationships with many of the world's most iconic corporations. Global titans like Toyota, Minebea, Delta Electronics, Cargill, Western Digital, Seagate, Microchip and ADI—along with countless other global industry leaders—have not just invested in Thailand; they have thrived, expanded, and innovated within an ecosystem shaped by consistent policy direction and strong government support. Their continued presence underscores Thailand's macroeconomic stability, strategic location, and the BOI's role as a reliable institutional anchor for foreign investment. As it marks its 60th anniversary, the BOI is drawing on this accumulated experience to frame Thailand's next phase of economic transformation. Guided by the theme – "Shaping Thailand's Future Through Strategic Investment" – the emphasis has shifted towards positioning Thailand as a high-value production base, driven by innovation, sustainability, and future industries that align with long-term structural trends. The strategy places particular weight on regional integration and cross-border partnerships, reflecting Thailand's ambition to remain relevant in a fragmenting global economy. A Resounding Vote of Global Confidence: Thailand's Unprecedented 2025 Performance Investor response in 2025 suggests that this recalibration is gaining traction. Record investment figures serve as an early signal of confidence, reflecting both Thailand's revised policy direction and the institutional credibility built over six decades. In 2025, total investment applications reached USD 60.23 billion (1.87 trillion baht) across 3,370 projects, a 67% increase in value and an 11% rise in project count, both year-on-year — underscoring the BOI's focus on technology-driven investment and Thailand's growing role as a regional hub. This momentum carried into 2026: investment applications in the first half of the year (January–June) alone reached USD 47.47 billion (1.47 trillion baht) across 1,299 projects, up 37% year-on-year, while FDI applications climbed 80% to USD 44.08 billion (1.37 trillion baht) even amid global economic headwinds. Projects approved during the period are expected to generate more than 82,000 jobs, drive over USD 12.46 billion (386,900 million baht) a year in local raw material sourcing, and contribute more than USD 39.94 billion (THB 1.24 trillion baht) a year in export value. Sectoral trends, especially in high-technology industries and AI, underline this rapid shift. The Digital sector, the Electronics & Electrical Appliances sector, and the AI supply chain are all seeing momentum in advanced manufacturing, including photonics devices, PCB, and semiconductor-related activities. In automotive production, Thailand is consolidating its regional leadership through higher-value components and the build-out of a full EV ecosystem. The Agriculture & Food Processing sector continues to move up the value chain, while petrochemicals and chemicals are increasingly oriented towards specialty products and circular-economy applications. Together, these developments suggest a gradual repositioning of Thailand within global production networks. Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, reflected on this monumental achievement: "For six decades, the BOI has been instrumental in charting Thailand's economic course, from foundational industrialization to pioneering a technology-driven, sustainable future. Our role transcends merely attracting capital; it is about strategically shaping our economic landscape to respond to a rapidly changing world. The investment figures of 2025 and the first half of 2026 are a clear endorsement of this long-term vision, confirming global trust in our strategic direction and our resolute commitment to forging a stable, innovative, and green economy for generations to come."The BOI's Vision for Building the Foundation for the Next Decade Building on its previous success, the BOI's strategy aims to anchor Thailand more firmly within ASEAN's investment geography. Over the next decade, the agency seeks to position Thailand as a center for business across ASEAN, navigating geopolitical uncertainties and fostering deeper collaboration across critical global supply chains. Key pillars of this...Read more: BOI at 60: Building an Investment Foundation, Powering a Sustainable New Economy

