For more than two decades, successive Thai governments have understood that for Thailand to be attractive to foreign investors there needs to be both progressive investment promotion policies and sufficient infrastructure.

Gateway to Asia

Thailand enjoys a strategic location and serves as a gateway into the heart of Asia - home to what is today the largest growing economic market.

The country also offers convenient trade with China, India and the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and easy access into the Greater Mekong sub-region, where newly emerging markets offer great business potential.

Hub of ASEAN

Thailand was one of the founding members of ASEAN and has been instrumental in the formation and development of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

Thailand has forged close economic cooperation with other ASEAN member nations, and Thai manufactured products and services have access to their markets, which includes all 10 ASEAN countries.

Growing economy

Economically, this country of 65 million people is characterized by steady growth, strong exports and a vibrant domestic consumer market. Abundant natural resources and a skilled and cost-effective work force help attract foreign investors, and enable them to prosper and develop industry in Thailand.

Sufficient infrastructure

Thailand has good infrastructure with modernized transportation facilities, as well as upgraded communications and IT networks that ensure optimum business and living conditions. State-of-the-art industrial estates boast sophisticated facilities and superior services.

FDI policies

The country's well-defined investment policies focus on liberalization and encourage free trade. Foreign investments, especially those that contribute to the development of skills, technology and innovation are actively promoted by the government. Thailand consistently ranks among the most attractive investment locations in international surveys, and the World Bank's 2010 Ease of Doing Business report places Thailand as the 12th easiest country in the world in which to do business.

Government support and incentives

Numerous government agencies support investors. Through the Board of Investment, the government offers a range of tax incentives, support services and import duty exemptions or reductions to an extensive list of promoted activities.

Long-established and newly emerging industries

With steady economic development and strong support industries, the country's industrial production has grown and diversified rapidly both in long-established and newly emerging industries.

(Source: Thailand Board of Investment)

Thailand