Japanese Investment Applications in Thailand Surge 146% in 2025 to 119 Billion Baht
Record increase in Japanese firms’ investment plans underscores renewed confidence in Thailand’s growth prospects and production base
Japanese investment applications in Thailand climbed sharply in 2025, rising about 146 percent to more than 119 billion baht, according to the latest data from the Thailand Board of Investment.
The marked increase reflects improving business sentiment among Japanese firms operating in the kingdom and signals renewed confidence in Thailand’s role as a key regional production and investment hub.
The surge comes alongside other positive indicators for Thailand’s economy as firms prepare for stronger growth prospects in 2026. Japanese investors filed a total of 311 investment applications during 2025, with the largest shares of capital focused on the automotive and parts sector, electronics and electrical appliances, and digital technologies including data-centre projects.
Among these, automotive and parts investments accounted for about 28.3 billion baht, electronics and electrical appliances reached around 24.3 billion baht, and digital projects jumped significantly to over 7.6 billion baht.
The data were released in tandem with a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization’s Bangkok office, showing that Japanese companies expect Thailand’s economic conditions to improve in the first half of 2026 after a series of weaker sentiment readings.
The survey of more than 520 firms found that nearly one-quarter plan to increase investment in Thailand this year, while others anticipate export growth or consider establishing regional offices in the country.
Respondents pointed to recovery in production and consumption and the emergence of new business opportunities across multiple sectors.
Despite external risks, including reciprocal U.S. tariff concerns, a majority of companies said they would maintain their current strategies in Thailand.
BOI officials noted that the strong inflows from Japanese investors complement broader foreign interest in Thailand and contribute to the kingdom’s attractiveness as a destination for high-value, technology-driven investment.
The marked increase reflects improving business sentiment among Japanese firms operating in the kingdom and signals renewed confidence in Thailand’s role as a key regional production and investment hub.
The surge comes alongside other positive indicators for Thailand’s economy as firms prepare for stronger growth prospects in 2026. Japanese investors filed a total of 311 investment applications during 2025, with the largest shares of capital focused on the automotive and parts sector, electronics and electrical appliances, and digital technologies including data-centre projects.
Among these, automotive and parts investments accounted for about 28.3 billion baht, electronics and electrical appliances reached around 24.3 billion baht, and digital projects jumped significantly to over 7.6 billion baht.
The data were released in tandem with a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization’s Bangkok office, showing that Japanese companies expect Thailand’s economic conditions to improve in the first half of 2026 after a series of weaker sentiment readings.
The survey of more than 520 firms found that nearly one-quarter plan to increase investment in Thailand this year, while others anticipate export growth or consider establishing regional offices in the country.
Respondents pointed to recovery in production and consumption and the emergence of new business opportunities across multiple sectors.
Despite external risks, including reciprocal U.S. tariff concerns, a majority of companies said they would maintain their current strategies in Thailand.
BOI officials noted that the strong inflows from Japanese investors complement broader foreign interest in Thailand and contribute to the kingdom’s attractiveness as a destination for high-value, technology-driven investment.
