The Department of Business Development unveiled the top 10 standout businesses where foreigners invested the most in Thailand in 2025. Contract manufacturing led with investments exceeding 119 billion baht. It is expected that in 2026, foreign investment in Thailand will continue, especially in advanced technology, health, and sustainability industries, aligning with global future business trends.
Mr. Poonpong Nainapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, revealed that 2025 was a golden year for Thailand, with foreign investors injecting over 324 billion baht—the highest in five years (2021-2025). Singapore led with investments totaling 103 billion baht, followed by Japan at 85.6 billion baht, China at 35 billion baht, Taiwan at 17 billion baht, and Mauritius at 16.5 billion baht. There were 1,078 investors in total, creating 6,647 jobs for Thais.
Regarding the top 10 business sectors attracting the most foreign investment under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), the total investment amounted to over 282 billion baht, representing 87.0% of all investments in 2025 (which totaled 324 billion baht). These investments came from 797 foreign investors, accounting for 74.0% of all foreign investors (1,078 in total). The top 10 sectors attracting foreign investment were as follows:
1. Contract Manufacturing Services Total investment was 119 billion baht, accounting for 36.7% of all investments, with 354 investors representing 32.8% of all investors. Manufacturing sectors invested in include machinery, vehicle parts, electrical appliance components, metal products, metal forming parts, printed circuit boards, plastic parts, machinery parts, plastic parts for industry, electronic products, smart electrical appliances, jewelry or jewelry parts made from precious metals, automotive electronic parts, DC cables, metal alloys for jewelry production, plastic compounds, and machinery equipment.
2. Computer Services Total investment was 65.9 billion baht, or 20.3% of all investments, with 64 investors comprising 5.9% of all investors. This includes software development, platform development, and data centers.
3. Rental Services for Space / Goods Total investment was 34.5 billion baht, representing 10.6% of all investments, with 82 investors accounting for 7.6% of all investors. Businesses in this category provide rental of factory building spaces with utilities and facilities, or rental of goods such as steel plates used as temporary roads in construction sites and forklifts.
4. Engineering Services Total investment was 27.3 billion baht, or 8.4% of all investments, with 36 investors making up 3.3% of all investors. Engineering services include automotive parts design, technical consulting for production process improvements, and technical design and consulting for electric vehicle manufacturing.
5. Consulting and Management Services Total investment was 9.47 billion baht, or 2.9% of all investments, with 69 investors accounting for 6.4% of all investors. These services include consulting on educational curricula, expenses, travel and accommodation during studies abroad, and business consulting in various fields.
6. Wholesale Trade Total investment was 8.96 billion baht, representing 2.7% of all investments, with 92 investors making up 8.5% of all investors. Wholesale trade investments include electronics and electronic equipment, machinery, industrial tools and equipment, dietary supplements, telecommunications equipment, ready-made software for computer security, beauty products, and parts for maintenance of packaging machinery.
7. Financial Services Total investment was 7.62 billion baht, or 2.4% of all investments, with 39 investors accounting for 3.6% of all investors. Financial services include personal loans, lending, and debt guarantees.
8. Accounting Services Total investment was 4.95 billion baht, representing 1.5% of all investments, with 19 investors comprising 1.8% of all investors. Most accounting services are provided to affiliated and group companies.
9. Hotel Operations Total investment was 2.56 billion baht, or 0.8% of all investments, with 8 investors making up 0.8% of all investors. These hotel businesses have received investment promotion from the Board of Investment (BOI).
10. Service Businesses Contracted with Private Sector Total investment was 1.85 billion baht, representing 0.7% of all investments, with 34 investors comprising 3.3% of all investors. These services include petroleum drilling, construction, installation, and testing of wind power generation systems.
“The entry of foreign businesses in Thailand, especially in the sectors mentioned, helps transfer specialized technical knowledge from the investing countries to Thai people. It is expected that in 2026, foreigners will continue to invest in Thailand due to confidence in the country's potential, modern technological infrastructure, and strong economic system that efficiently supports business operations. This will enhance the competitiveness of foreign investors, particularly in the top 10 standout businesses that continue to attract foreign interest in 2026. There may also be increased investment in industries related to advanced technology, health, and sustainability, consistent with future global business trends, such as digital businesses (Cloud/Cyber Security), electric vehicles (EV) and components, health and medical sectors, and environmentally friendly food and products.” Director-General Poonpong concluded,
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