Thailand Attracts 1.4 Trillion Baht in Foreign Investment in First Half
Thailand attracted 1.4 trillion baht in foreign investment applications during the first half of the year, with Australian companies among major investors citing the country's political stability and efficient investment promotion programs
Prime Minister Anuthul Chanyaweerakul revealed that foreign investors filed requests for investment promotion worth 60,000 million Australian dollars, approximately 1.4 trillion baht, in the first half of the year, following informal discussions with Australian business leaders at the Thailand-Australia Investment and Business Partnership Reception organized by the Board of Investment in Sydney. Major Australian investors continue to expand their production base in Thailand, reflecting confidence in the country's political stability, security, and logistics readiness. The Prime Minister stated that foreign investors view Thailand as a top investment choice, and the government is working to build confidence and promote national harmony to boost Thailand's appeal to investors.
A key factor receiving positive feedback from investors is the Board of Investment's Thailand Fast Pass, which serves as a comprehensive problem-solving center for investors, streamlining and expediting the investment process without any negative issues reported by investors who have engaged with it. During his planned meeting with the Australian Prime Minister in Canberra on August 19, the Thai Prime Minister said he would discuss jet fuel exports, as Australia has significant demand while Thailand has surplus jet fuel from diesel production, and Thailand stands ready to relax regulations to enable exports if Australia signals intent.
Regarding the promotion of Thai workers in Australia, the Prime Minister said he will raise the issue, noting that Thai restaurants in Thai Town are growing but facing chef shortages, necessitating negotiations to address visa and employment limitations. He emphasized that skilled Thai workers entering Australia represent genuine expertise and capability, not illegal or undocumented labor as in the past, and that opening opportunities for skilled Thai workers will benefit Australia's economy and create win-win benefits for both nations.
