Did you know the Thailand Investment Promotion Ac now enables up to 100% foreign ownership in select sectors outpacing many of Thailand’s regional competitors?

Recent updates for 2025 bring expanded incentives for technology, green manufacturing, and businesses investing in the fast-growing Eastern Economic Corridor.

Investment Promotion Act Thailand foreign investors eligibility BOI incentives application updates

Foreign business owners, professionals, and multinational teams are leveraging BOI promotion to secure tax holidays of up to 15 years, streamlined land rights, and direct access to new economic zones.

If you are seeking transparent legal pathways, significant cost savings, and operational flexibility in Southeast Asia, understanding the latest BOI incentives is crucial to protecting and scaling your investment.

Key Takeaways

  • BOI promotion unlocks 100% foreign ownership in eligible sectors, granting rare land rights and tax exemptions typically unavailable under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act.
  • Priority sectors for 2025 include digital technology, green industries, and advanced manufacturing, offering expanded incentives and regulatory flexibility for qualifying projects.
  • Minimum capital requirements and Thai incorporation are mandatory, with most projects requiring at least 1 million baht in registered capital and strict business activity alignment with BOI priorities.
  • Top tax incentives feature corporate income tax holidays of 3-15 years, import duty exemptions, and dividend tax waivers, maximizing return on investment for approved companies.
  • Non-tax benefits include streamlined visas, fast-tracked work permits, and project land ownership for foreign businesses, enabling smoother operations and talent relocation.
  • Compliance is crucial: BOI-promoted companies must submit annual reports, meet environmental standards, and maintain a debt-to-equity ratio not exceeding 3:1 to retain privileges.
  • BOI application review typically takes 60-90 days, with well-prepared business plans and feasibility studies accelerating approval and reducing delays.
  • 2025 Act amendments expand R&D, automation, and regional cluster incentives, but also introduce higher compliance expectations and closer project monitoring for long-term investor security.

Thailand Investment Promotion Act: Framework & Strategy

Thailand Investment Promotion Act: Why It Matters for Investors

The Thailand Investment Promotion Act provides a legal framework that enables the Board of Investment Thailand (BOI) to grant tax incentives, financial benefits, and regulatory exceptions to both Thai and foreign investors.

The Act’s core objectives include:

  • Encouraging foreign investment in Thailand
  • Advancing technology transfer, innovation, and capital inflows
  • Supporting sectors crucial to national economic growth such as advanced manufacturing and digital services

BOI promotion means 100% foreign ownership is possible in eligible sectors, even where the Foreign Business Act restricts it.

Access current regulations and legal documents directly from the BOI official website.

Sectors & Projects Eligible for BOI Promotion in 2025

Priority sectors for 2025 now focus on future-ready industries, with BOI incentives available for:

  • Digital technology and data centers
  • Green industries and eco-friendly manufacturing
  • Advanced electronics, renewable energy, smart automotive
  • Regional clusters like the Eastern Economic Corridor

Eligible projects are evaluated on:

  • Level of technological innovation and local value addition
  • Environmental impact and sustainability
  • Collaboration potential with Thai SMEs and research institutes

Distinctive incentives and relaxed restrictions under the Thailand Investment Promotion Act position foreign businesses for competitive expansion.

Eligibility Rules for Foreign Investors

Investor Eligibility: Business Structures, Ownership & Minimum Capital

Foreign investors seeking Thailand BOI promotion must structure their investment as a Thai-incorporated company and meet minimum capital requirements, often around 1 million baht or as specified by the Board of Investment Thailand.

BOI promotion unlocks significant advantages, including exemption from typical foreign ownership restrictions set by the Foreign Business Act. In eligible sectors, this means up to 100% foreign ownership is possible, an opportunity rarely available elsewhere in Thailand.

Key eligibility factors include:

  • Minimum capital investment and use of new machinery
  • Business activity alignment with BOI’s promoted sectors
  • Approval by the BOI based on project merit and economic impact

Section 27 grants BOI-promoted companies the right to own land for operational purposes, a permission typically unavailable to most foreign investors.

Compliance & Due Diligence for Foreign Investors

All BOI-promoted companies must demonstrate strict compliance with environmental, technical, and operational standards from project initiation.

Ongoing requirements include:

  • Annual performance reporting to the BOI (e.g., revenue, technology deployment)
  • Adherence to environmental regulations and project timelines
  • Maintaining a debt-to-equity ratio, often not exceeding 3:1

Failure to comply may result in suspension or revocation of incentives as stated under Section 25 of the Thailand Investment Promotion Act.

For foreign business owners, understanding these requirements is the first step to maximizing strategic benefits. Consistent compliance not only protects your investment but also opens unique opportunities for growth and expansion.

Thailand BOI Incentives for Investors

BOI Tax Incentives & Financial Benefits

Foreign investors in Thailand can access generous BOI tax incentives, starting with corporate income tax exemptions of 3 to 15 years for promoted sectors and locations.

Eligible projects also qualify for:

  • Import duty exemptions or reductions on machinery and raw materials
  • Double deductions for utilities and infrastructure costs, plus extra training expense deductions
  • Dividend income exemptions during the tax holiday and for six months after
  • Enhanced benefits if located in special economic zones or designated provinces

Here is a quick comparison chart:

Incentive Type Description
Corporate Income Tax Exemption 3–15 years based on sector and location
Import Duty Reduction Machinery, raw materials (esp. for export/R&D)
Additional Deductions Utilities, infrastructure, training
Dividend Exemption During CIT holiday and six months post-holiday

Non-Tax Incentives for Foreign Companies

BOI-promotion provides benefits that go beyond the balance sheet:

  • 100% foreign ownership and the right to own project land under Section 27
  • Streamlined visa and work permit approval for skilled foreign staff and executives
  • Full protection against nationalization and unfair competition from new state enterprises

Foreign companies can assign expert teams quickly, ensuring minimal project delays and maximum operational efficiency.

For the latest details and legal updates, consult the Thailand Revenue Department.

Maximize your Thailand investment return by combining tax concessions, operational flexibility, and legal protections unique to BOI-promoted ventures.

BOI Application Process in Thailand

Preparing & Submitting a BOI Application in 2025

Securing Thailand BOI promotion begins with thorough document preparation. Required steps include:

  • Drafting a detailed business plan with projected investment, technology use, and local economic contribution
  • Completing the official BOI application form
  • Collecting supporting documents: company registration, shareholder details, financial forecasts, and project feasibility studies

For added impact, leverage expert consultation and feasibility reports to address Board of Investment Thailand criteria.

Best practices for submission:

  • Organize documents for rapid review
  • Highlight technology, sustainability, and local job creation
  • Prepare for technical assessments before formal review

A well-structured submission increases approval odds and accelerates evaluation timelines.

After Submission: Timelines, Board Review & Common Pitfalls

After submission, most applications see decisions within 60–90 days.

Key steps include:

  • Board evaluation of project viability, financial strength, and compliance with the Thailand Investment Promotion Act
  • Technical interviews or site visits, especially for high-impact or complex projects
  • Issuance of promotion certificates for approved proposals

Common pitfalls:

  • Incomplete applications
  • Lack of evidence for technology or sustainability claims
  • Missing feasibility data or unclear financials

Upon approval, immediate action is needed to meet BOI’s initial compliance checks.

A precise, fully documented application not only speeds up approval but positions your project for long-term investment success.

BOI Act Updates 2023–2025: Opportunities & Risks

New Opportunities from the 2025 BOI Amendments

The 2025 amendments to the Thailand Investment Promotion Act unlock significant benefits for foreign investors.

Key new opportunities include:

  • More priority sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, digital services, renewables, and logistics hubs
  • Expanded incentives for R&D-focused, green technology, and value-adding projects
  • Increased support for investments in regional development zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor

Ongoing policy alignment with the Thailand 4.0 strategy means there’s a clear push for digital transformation and technology transfer. Projects that incorporate advanced automation or collaborate with Thai research will find broader eligibility and longer corporate income tax exemptions, up to 15 years for selected activities.

Risks of Recent Regulatory Changes for Investors

With expanded incentives, foreign investors should also be aware of higher compliance standards and new qualifications under the Act.

Recent regulatory changes introduce:

  • Stricter performance monitoring and environmental compliance
  • Closer scrutiny on project reporting and use of new technologies
  • Sector-specific requirements, including minimum project value and stronger local partnership expectations

Investors exploring the Thailand Investment Promotion Act should act quickly in response to sector trends while maintaining rigorous attention to compliance and legal updates to maximize the benefits available and reduce risk.

FAQ: BOI Promotion in Thailand

Can BOI Companies Own Land in Thailand?

Foreign-owned businesses promoted by the Board of Investment Thailand (BOI) can acquire land specifically for project use, as stated in Section 27 of the Thailand Investment Promotion Act. This land ownership flexibility sets BOI-promoted companies apart from most foreign entities under the Foreign Business Act.

Which Projects Receive the Highest BOI Incentives?

Projects focused on digital technology, advanced manufacturing, or green industries, especially when located in the Eastern Economic Corridor or special economic zones, often receive the maximum BOI incentives. Expect longer corporate income tax exemption periods (up to 15 years) and broader investment privileges for these initiatives.

How Long Does BOI Application Approval Take?

BOI application reviews typically take 60–90 days, with complex or incomplete submissions sometimes extending this timeframe. Most applicants should plan for around two to three months from submission to approval.

Can BOI Companies Repatriate Profits Abroad?

Profits earned by BOI-promoted ventures can be repatriated abroad without restriction, assuming all Thai tax and regulatory compliance obligations are fulfilled.

BOI promotion offers unique land rights, streamlined incentives, and consistent approval timelines, letting foreign investors plan with confidence and clarity.

Conclusion

Unlocking the advantages of the Thailand Investment Promotion Act positions your business for growth, innovation and lasting market access, ensuring your investment is both secure and strategically aligned with Thailand’s dynamic future.

Now is the time to move forward: clarify your project eligibility, prepare documentation, and review compliance requirements so you’re ready to seize available incentives.

If you want to maximize your BOI application’s impact and safeguard your investment, contact us today. Themis Partner guides you through every stage, from tailored eligibility assessments to seamless compliance and approval.