Nonthaburi, Director-General of the Department of Business Development revealed that in the first quarter of 2024, foreigners invested 35,902 million baht in Thailand. Japan was the number one investor with 19,006 million baht, followed by Singapore with 3,294 million baht and France with 3,236 million baht, employing 849 Thai people.

Mrs. Oramon Sapthaweetham Director-General of the Department of Business Development revealed that in the first quarter of 2024 (January-March) foreigners will be allowed to invest and conduct business in Thailand. Under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542, there were 178 cases, of which 53 were investments through the application for foreign business licenses and requesting a foreign business certificate. (via investment channels according to the investment promotion law or is permitted according to the law on the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and exercising rights according to treaties or international agreements) totaling 125 people, total investment of 35,902 mill
ion baht, employing 849 Thai people.

The top 5 foreigners who invested are: 1. Japan, 40, accounting for 22% of the number of foreign businesses in Thailand, investment of 19,006 million baht in businesses such as advertising business, service business, procurement and installation of equipment for manufacturing factories. Cetyline Black Business providing services for producing electricity from solar energy Product manufacturing service business (Fiber optic equipment parts/Automobile parts/Metal parts) International trade business It is the procurement of products, raw materials, and parts for various industries.

2. Singapore: 32 companies, accounting for 18% of the number of foreign businesses in Thailand, investment of 3,294 million baht in businesses such as health rehabilitation center services. Electronic commerce business (e-Commerce) by using the deposit system for buying and selling goods and services. Software development service business for sale and/or service. Service business provided to affi
liated companies. or companies in the group (Accounting services/Marketing planning and product promotion services/Debt guarantee services) Product manufacturing service business (Molds and jigs/vehicle parts/bioplastic products)

3. United States: 29 companies, accounting for 16% of the number of foreign businesses, investment of 1,048 million baht in businesses such as engineering service businesses. Brokerage and agent business in purchasing, sourcing, and distributing products (Electronic tools and equipment/computers/jewelry) Retail business (Instant food and beverages/industrial machinery) Business of coordination, management, and consulting services. and provide information in various fields About coverage according to insurance policies Product manufacturing service business (Car steering wheel/DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLY)

4. Chinese 20 companies, accounting for 11% of the number of foreign businesses, investment of 2,886 million baht in businesses such as service businesses provided to affiliated companies.
or companies in the group (Factory building space rental service) Product manufacturing service business (moulds/plastic parts for industry/flavours and flavorings) metal cutting service business (Coil Center) software development service business for sale and/or service business providing sub-franchise rights service business (Franchising) to operate the business of selling food and beverages.

5. Hong Kong: 11 companies, accounting for 6% of the number of foreign businesses in Thailand, investment of 1,017 million baht in businesses such as retail business. (Injection molding machine) International distribution center service business with modern systems Product manufacturing service business (Automotive spare parts and components/components made from aluminum) International trade business It is the procurement of products, raw materials, and parts for various industries such as electrical appliances. and electronics, etc., for wholesale in the country Business providing advice, guidance and management in t
he management of restaurants and cafes.

In this regard, it can be considered that the entry of foreigners into conducting business in Thailand in the past Especially in the above industries Helps to transfer technology, which is specialized knowledge from investing countries to Thai people, such as knowledge about safety in using gas measuring machines. Knowledge about electrical and electronic system design technology in electric rail projects Knowledge about knowledge in designing engineering products Knowledge about intelligent warehouse management systems, etc.

However, when compared to the same period last year (January – March 2023), it was found that foreigners were allowed to invest in doing business in Thailand, increasing by 4 cases or an increase of 2% (January – March 2024, 178 cases were allowed / January – March 2023 allowed 174 cases) and the investment value increased by 2,854 million baht or an increase of 9% (January – March 2024 invested 35,902 million baht / January – March 2023 invested
33,048 million baht) while hiring Thai jobs decreased by 1,083 people or a decrease of 56% (January – March 2024, employing 849 people / January – March 2023, employing 1,932 people) with the highest number of incoming investors still being Japanese investors, as well as year ago

For investment in the EEC area, in the first quarter of 2024, there were 56 foreign investors interested in investing in the EEC area, accounting for 31% of the number of foreign investors in Thailand. This increased from the same period last year, numbering 25, or an increase of 81% (January – March 2024, investing 56 people / January – March 2023, investing 31 people) and has an investment value in the EEC area of ??11,629 million baht, calculated is 32% of the total investment An increase from the same period last year of 8,365 million baht or an increase of 256% (January – March 2024 investment 11,629 million baht / January – March 2023 investment 3,264 million baht) are investors from *Japan, 12 investors invested. 995 million
baht *China 12 companies invest 924 million baht *Singapore 8 companies invest 898 million baht and other countries 24 people invest 8,812 million baht etc.

Source: Thai News Agency