In the first half of 2025, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) recorded a dramatic increase in investment promotion activity, with total applications reaching 1.06 trillion baht, up 139 percent from the same period last year. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) — encompassing Rayong, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao — accounted for 660.63 billion baht, representing roughly 62 percent of the total value.

During January–June 2025, the BOI registered 1,880 projects, a 38 percent rise in volume compared to 2024. Foreign direct investment (FDI) applications represented about 70 percent of total value, with 737.57 billion baht in foreign pledges across 1,369 projects. Singapore led FDI by value, followed by Hong Kong, China, the United Kingdom and Japan.

The digital sector dominated investor interest, drawing 522.6 billion baht in pledges—especially for hyperscale data centres. The electronics and electrical appliances sector and automotive and parts manufacturing also saw substantial capital flows, with battery manufacturing, EV components and smart electronics among the top areas.

Elsewhere, Central Thailand secured 333.65 billion baht, while regions such as the South, Northeast, West and North received more modest shares: 20.08, 19.35, 11.34 and 4.57 billion baht respectively. Industrial zones with BOI promotion status hosted 508 projects valued at 218.38 billion baht, reflecting a 14 percent jump in project count.

The concentration of investment in the EEC underscores Thailand’s strategy to develop a high-tech “engine” region supported by infrastructure, logistics, ports and fiscal incentives. Yet the intensity of flows also raises structural considerations: the need to extend capacity, balance development across regions, secure energy supplies, and manage environmental and social pressures.

Sustaining momentum into the second half of the year will require continued policy clarity, streamlined approval processes, infrastructure readiness and managing spillovers to underinvested provinces. While the first half of 2025 marks a record surge, real gains depend on conversion of pledges into operational projects and inclusive growth across the national economy.