Bangkok: The Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand has entered into a strategic partnership with Japanese investors to enhance investment opportunities in Thailand's burgeoning sectors. This collaboration aims to boost investment in automotive, electronics, machinery, food, and metal products, while also fostering growth in startups and green industries.
According to Thai News Agency, the Secretary-General of the BOI, Mr. Narit Therdsteerasak, announced the partnership following a meeting on August 14, 2025, with key Japanese representatives including Mr. Abe Ichiro, President of JETRO Bangkok, and Mr. Sato Hiroyasu, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC). The meeting highlighted the results of a survey conducted in the first half of 2025, showcasing Japanese investors' positive outlook on the Thai economy and their plans for investment expansion.
The recent JETRO-JCC survey indicates a strengthening confidence among Japanese investors, with the Economic Outlook Index showing recovery signs, improving from -11 in late 2024 to -7 in early 2025, and expected to rise to -2 by the end of the year. Despite challenges like US import tariffs and a strong baht, Japanese companies are keen to invest in Thailand, particularly in sectors such as hybrid vehicles, electronics, and food. The meeting also follows discussions with the Embassy of Japan and other bodies under the Thailand-Japan Trade Agreement, focusing on enhancing the business environment.
Japan's longstanding investment in Thailand has been recognized, with significant contributions across multiple industries. The BOI has implemented support measures to aid Japanese businesses in adapting to modern trade challenges, including the promotion of new automotive technologies and clean energy initiatives. Mr. Narit highlighted these efforts, emphasizing the establishment of a one-stop service center and facilitating machinery relocation from Cambodia to Thailand as key initiatives to support Japanese enterprises.
Mr. Abe Ichiro reaffirmed JETRO's commitment to fostering economic and trade cooperation between Thailand and Japan, particularly in the face of uncertainties such as US tariffs. JETRO's focus will remain on promoting investment through business matching and other initiatives that strengthen ties between the two nations.
In the last decade, Japan has been a dominant investor in Thailand, with over 2,620 projects amounting to more than 700 billion baht, primarily in the automotive, electrical, and chemical sectors. This new partnership between BOI and Japanese investors underscores Thailand's strategic importance in the region and its appeal as a hub for sustainable and innovative industries.