Unlocking 8 businesses foreigners can operate without permission is assessed positively for Thailand's economy, while highlighting agricultural futures and monitoring foreign control sweeping up small-scale purchases that could disrupt market price structures.
On 12 May 2026 GMT+7, the Cabinet approved in principle a draft royal decree amending the list of business types under the Foreign Business Act of 1999 (amended version...), as well as approving in principle a draft ministerial regulation specifying businesses that foreigners can operate without requiring permission (amended version...).
At the same time, there are concerns about foreign purchases of agricultural futures, especially by Chinese nationals, as lacking clear controls could affect the pricing mechanism of agricultural products in Thailand.
The Cabinet also approved in principle a draft ministerial regulation specifying businesses that foreigners can operate without permission, unlocking 8 service business types as follows.
1. Telecommunications services without their own network, 2. Financial management services, 3. Intra-network management services, 4. Domestic debt guarantee services, 5. Petroleum drilling services, 6. Various secured lending services under securities law and futures trading, 7. Representation, brokerage, advisory, or fund management related to futures contracts not covered by the Futures Trading Act, and 8. Services renting space for electronic equipment and vending machines installation.
Initially, some academics expressed concerns, but shortly afterward, the government clarified that existing laws still regulate and prevent foreigners from freely conducting business as rumors suggested.
Regarding concerns over the Cabinet's approval of the draft royal decree amending the Foreign Business Act list, Thairath Online special report interviewed Mr. Wanchai Pholothaithakeng, former secretary of the Agricultural Futures Trading Commission (AFTC). He analyzed that the Cabinet's unlocking of 8 businesses likely aims to promote domestic business by involving foreigners. Previously, Thai law allowed foreigners to work but required licenses for registration and monitoring.
Concerns about agricultural futures stem from foreigners needing licenses to prevent exploitation of farmers and agricultural product damage. Even with amendments, controls remain but require stricter inspection teams. Meanwhile, agencies remain responsible for futures trading, but attention must be given to products outside the regulated markets.
Personally, the concern lies in technology transfer. China has abundant hardware, and bringing foreigners in can positively enable Thais to learn and foster a constructive environment for new occupations in Thailand.
There are still worries about the influx of Chinese workers. For example, more Thais now buy products through platforms, mostly Chinese goods, raising concerns about competition for Thai jobs.
Previously, laws prevented foreigners from long-term agricultural futures purchases, but some still bought from farmers' homes, disrupting price mechanisms. Therefore, with unlocking, a central agency must monitor to prevent price distortion affecting agricultural product price structures.
When asked if the unlocking paves the way for investment in land bridge projects, the personal view is still positive. Nowadays, market analysis agencies synthesize data, and rapid foreign investment is unlikely; investments can be phased, and if unsuccessful, not continued. Proceeding in advance is seen as beneficial preparation.