The government revealed that BOI project investments in the first half of 2026 surged 27%, reaching 535 billion baht, creating over 630,000 jobs for Thai people in advanced electronics, automotive, digital, and robotics industries, while increasing opportunities for local suppliers in the supply chain.
On 29 August 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government closely monitors investment promotion results, focusing on actual investment amounts and benefits to the Thai economy. According to the Board of Investment (BOI), actual investment in the first half of 2026 exceeded 535.8 billion baht, a 27% increase compared to the same period last year. In the second quarter alone, actual investment surpassed 250 billion baht. These promoted investments have created more than 630,000 jobs for Thais, with over 60% in advanced electronics, automotive, digital, automation, and robotics industries.
Of this investment, over 127 billion baht was actual spending in businesses related to AI and advanced electronics, covering devices such as optical signal transceivers, printed circuit boards (PCBs), high-capacity hard disk drives, AI servers, smart electronic devices, and digital infrastructure. This reflects Thailand's expansion from its existing manufacturing base into higher-value, technology-driven industries.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the government's goal is not only to increase investment value but to ensure new investments create jobs, generate income, and provide opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to participate in supply chains. The BOI will advance three main approaches: developing a smart electronics industrial ecosystem, upgrading manufacturing through digital technology, automation, and clean energy, and linking investments with the development of personnel, Thai entrepreneurs, technology transfer, and research and development.
“The figure of over 535.8 billion baht represents actual realized investments, not just promotion applications. Crucially, these investments must benefit Thais by creating over 630,000 jobs, developing workforce skills, and opening opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to join supply chains—especially in advanced electronics, which accounts for more than 60% of those jobs,” Ms. Lalida said.
Ms. Lalida added that the BOI will continue pushing Thai entrepreneurs into key industry supply chains, including semiconductors, smart electronics, AI, and future automotive sectors. The BOI will incorporate industry and research institute suggestions to develop investment promotion measures, aiming to connect foreign investments with domestic production bases, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, and enhance the long-term capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs.
“The government will monitor investment outcomes not only by investment value but also by employment of Thais, use of local suppliers, skill development, and technology transfer to ensure new investments create domestic added value and sustainably drive Thailand’s economy,” Ms. Lalida concluded.