The escalating tensions in the Middle East have become a key factor increasing volatility in the global economy amid concerns that the conflict could spread, threatening the stability of energy supplies and international trade. However, from a business perspective, the crisis may not only pose risks but also conceal new opportunities.
Vikrom Kromadit, Chairman of AMATA Corporation Public Company Limited (AMATA). He sees that amid these risks, new opportunities may arise for Thailand to attract foreign investment, especially from investors in conflict zones seeking safer investment destinations.
Meanwhile, the company is proceeding with its original business plan, preparing to invest over 10 billion baht in 2026 to develop industrial estate projects in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, supporting the ongoing regional shift in production bases and investment.
Vikrom Kromadit, Chairman of AMATA Corporation Public Company Limited (AMATA). He assesses that the Middle East tensions have increased global economic uncertainty, which, if escalated, would directly affect countries heavily dependent on energy imports, like Thailand.
"Thailand is unlikely to be directly impacted by the fighting because we are far away, but our economy imports over 90 percent of its oil. If oil prices rise, costs will increase accordingly. Since our investments are limited, the Thai economy could deteriorate," he said.
Nonetheless, amid the unrest in the Middle East, business opportunities remain as investors or wealthy individuals from conflict zones may be seeking safe havens and new investment outlets.
If Thailand adopts proactive policies to attract these funds and offers special incentives, it could turn the crisis into an opportunity to attract a substantial influx of new investors into the country.
AMATA maintains its commitment to its land sales target as planned, believing it is still achievable and has not seen any slowdown in investment decisions due to the conflict.
Regarding industrial estate investment overall, foreign direct investment (FDI) reflects a major shift in production bases driven by geopolitical impacts.
The ASEAN region is benefiting significantly, with over 70 percent of AMATA’s new customers in the past 2-3 years being investors from China or Chinese-based factories seeking to diversify risks from trade wars and export focuses.
Vikrom. He added that the current government is proactive, flexible, and business-minded, placing professional personnel in key roles, which is a positive sign for the country’s progress.
Thailand has notable strengths such as a strategic geographic location as a regional hub, infrastructure ready for high-speed rail connectivity, absence of severe natural disasters like typhoons or earthquakes, and attractive culture, history, and friendly people that draw foreigners to reside here.
However, Thailand still needs to develop concrete policies to attract investors, compared with Vietnam, Singapore, or Dubai. If the government can improve investment promotion policies to be more appealing and globally competitive, it will certainly attract substantial capital inflows.
For 2026, AMATA has prepared an investment budget exceeding 10 billion baht to develop industrial estate areas to support forthcoming investments, targeting a total land sale of 2,800 rai across three key ASEAN countries.
This includes 1,650 rai in Thailand, focusing on attracting high-tech industries and investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC); 550 rai in Vietnam to accommodate production relocation from China and growth in electronics and digital industries; and 600 rai in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to develop a land logistics gateway for the region.
Additionally, the company is transitioning its role to become an "Industrial City" developer under the "All Win" philosophy, aiming not just to sell or lease factory space but to build a comprehensive economic ecosystem covering critical infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, education, clean energy, housing, hotels, and a Government All-Service Center to facilitate integrated services for factories.
Currently, AMATA’s projects host over 1,600 factories and commercial businesses employing more than 350,000 workers, from investors of 30 nationalities, including leading global companies from the Fortune Global 500 group.
However, AMATA’s key strategy is diversification rather than putting all eggs in one basket, spreading risk and expanding revenue bases into neighboring countries while pursuing mega projects and New S-Curve industry groups.
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