Thailand Investment Applications Surge 37% in First Half of 2025

Investment applications in Thailand surged 37% in the first half of 2025, reaching 1.47 trillion baht and creating 82,000 jobs, with digital industry and foreign direct investment leading growth despite global economic uncertainty.

23 Jul Khaosod

The Board of Investment (BOI) announced that investment promotion applications in the first half of 2025 (January–June) reached 1.47 trillion baht, generating 82,000 jobs and over 1.2 trillion baht in annual export value. BOI Secretary-General Nurat Therdsteerasukdi stated that despite global economic headwinds from geopolitical instability, energy price fluctuations, and global supply chain restructuring, Thailand's investment outlook remains strong and continues to grow steadily.

From January to June 2025, the board received 1,299 project applications worth 1,473,718 million baht in total investment, up 37% from the same period last year. This growth demonstrates investor confidence in Thailand's role as a future-industry investment base.

The two highest-value investment sectors align with global trends. Digital industry investment topped the list at 1,115,260 million baht from 90 projects, followed by electronics and electrical appliances at 120,230 million baht from 179 projects. Other major sectors included agriculture and food processing (61,388 million baht, 131 projects), high-value logistics services (40,217 million baht, 170 projects), energy and basic infrastructure (39,461 million baht, 221 projects), automotive and parts (25,662 million baht, 122 projects), minerals, metals and materials (20,399 million baht, 128 projects), chemicals and petrochemicals (16,533 million baht, 110 projects), and machinery, automation and robotics (13,093 million baht, 82 projects).

The energy and basic infrastructure sector recorded the highest project count, with 198 renewable energy projects worth 26,354 million baht, mainly solar, wind, biomass, and biogas facilities. This reflects growing investment in clean energy and infrastructure systems such as water supply and industrial water to support industrial demand and future-industry investment.

Geographically, most investment concentrated in the Central Region at 903,759 million baht from 513 projects, followed by the Eastern Region at 495,737 million baht. Other regions included the Northeast (14,985 million baht), South (11,864 million baht), West (8,162 million baht), and North (7,733 million baht). Although the North showed the lowest investment value compared to other regions, it recorded a 93% growth rate year-over-year, signaling expansion in high-potential sectors, particularly energy, infrastructure, agriculture, food processing, and healthcare.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) also expanded significantly, with 877 project applications totaling 1,368,493 million baht, an 80% increase. The top five source countries and regions were Singapore (1,121,742 million baht, 158 projects), the United Kingdom (47,193 million baht, 11 projects), China (45,766 million baht, 321 projects), Taiwan (38,014 million baht, 47 projects), and Japan (32,790 million baht, 123 projects). Most foreign investment targeted the digital industry, including data centers, data hosting, and cloud services, followed by electronics and electrical appliances such as optical transceivers, printed circuit boards (PCBs), hard disk drives, wafer testing, and network systems.

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Community

CJ MORE Golden Mic Tour Brings Singing Dreams to Factory Workers

CJ MORE held its Golden Mic On Tour singing festival at a shopping complex in Ayutthaya, giving factory workers a chance to pursue music dreams through a competition offering fast-track entry to a national TV show. The event drew crowds of

23 Jul Khaosod

Factory workers in Ayutthaya, one of Thailand's major industrial zones, face exhaustion from long work weeks and need accessible spaces to rest and find joy nearby. CJ MORE recently continued its role as a "community hub" by holding the fifth Golden Mic On Tour festival at its Narativet City Park branch on Saturday, July 18, 2025. The event blended entertainment and shopping with a singing competition, free concerts from famous artists, and discounted quality goods aimed specifically at factory workers and families in the industrial estate.

The venue was bustling from morning as crowds arrived to participate in activities and shop. The plaza became a gathering point for the community before the main singing competition stage opened, giving contestants a chance to showcase their talent and pursue their dreams amid cheers and encouragement from spectators throughout the day.

The event's key highlight was offering factory workers the chance to "shine" and fulfill their singing dreams through a country music competition to find representatives for the seventh season of "Golden Mic Three Generations" on Workpoint 23 via fast-track entry. Many young factory workers who harbor musical dreams but must set them aside for work and family obligations found new hope.

One contestant was 38-year-old Kachanipa Pinichkij (Nuch) from Uthai Thani, a factory worker returning to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a singer. She explained that her work usually leaves no time for rest or reflection on her singing dreams. After learning about CJ MORE's singing competition through television, she was inspired to return to her dreams. With the national-level event held near her residence, she could easily travel there and trade her factory uniform for a microphone after work, creating a meaningful opportunity to find happiness and renewed motivation. She advanced to the final ten and chose to perform "Kiss and Say Goodbye," a song she had used successfully in past competitions.

Beyond entertainment, CJ MORE also partnered with leading brands to offer special promotional merchandise deals.

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National

Lawmaker Pom Discloses 529 Million Baht In Assets, Zero Debt

People's Party MP Pom Pongwittayapanu disclosed combined assets of 529 million baht with zero debt upon taking office in March, according to NACC filings released July 22.

23 Jul Khaosod

On July 22, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) publicly released asset and liability disclosures for Pom Pongwittayapanu, a People's Party list-system MP, filed upon taking office on March 15, 2025. Pom and his wife Krokamol Sriiam reported combined assets of 529,153,101 baht with no liabilities.

Pom's personal assets total 243,331,825 baht, comprising 1 million baht in foreign currency cash, 22.7 million baht in deposits, 93 million baht in company investments, and 80.2 million baht in loans extended to three companies. He also owns one plot of land in Bang Chak Sub-district, Taling Chan District, Bangkok, valued at 18.06 million baht, plus buildings and structures worth 17.9 million baht, rights and concessions valued at 1.98 million baht, and other assets totaling 8.4 million baht. His annual income is 6.59 million baht, derived from salary (854,760 baht), parliamentary allowance (507,960 baht), stock dividends (2.5 million baht), and interest from company loans (2.7 million baht). His annual expenses total 3.58 million baht for utilities and insurance (1.6 million baht) and other costs including children's education, parental support, travel, and donations (1.98 million baht).

Krokamol's assets total 275,021,655 baht, including 5,000 baht in foreign currency, 24.1 million baht in deposits, and 130.6 million baht invested primarily in TTB funds and holdings in LHM Holdings (1997), 3D M Group, and Quick Leasing. She owns two plots of land in the Bang Sao Thong area, Samut Prakan Province, worth 110.49 million baht combined, plus rights and concessions (1.27 million baht) and other assets (8.5 million baht). Her annual income from salary is 2.86 million baht, with annual expenses of 1.95 million baht for utilities and insurance (1.15 million baht) and other costs (800,000 baht).

Their minor child reported combined assets of 10,799,620 baht, comprising 3,693 baht in deposits, 4.5 million baht in investments, and 6.3 million baht in rights and concessions.

Notable luxury items disclosed by both include 7.73 million baht in Goldnow gold bars, a Rolex Datejust watch (140,000 baht), an Omega Speedmaster Professional (150,000 baht), gold Buddhist amulets and coins valued at over 500,000 baht, 7 million baht in gold jewelry, and Rolex and Patek Philippe watches worth 1.5 million baht.

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National

PM Anutin Pushes Evidence-Based Anti-Corruption Fight

PM Anutin chairs anti-corruption meeting, emphasizing evidence-based enforcement and institutional oversight rather than perception-based rankings to rebuild Thailand's international reputation.

23 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee meeting on July 23, 2025, at Government House's Phakdi Bodindorn Building, with Deputy Interior Minister Paradon Pariyannantakul, Deputy Minister for Digital Economy and Society Nann Bunyathida Somchai, and committee members in attendance.

Anutin opened the meeting by saying Thailand has gained international trust and confidence, and that reform goes beyond preventing corruption to embracing the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and verifiability. He acknowledged that while the system has gaps, these represent a starting point for reform rather than failure. The government's goal is not merely to improve rankings based on public perception but to rely on solid evidence and documentation. He noted that asking opponents claims the government is corrupt while supporters claim it is not yields no substance, so Thailand must base anti-corruption efforts on verifiable references and evidence.

Anutin added that public sentiment both domestically and internationally about corruption has declined, damaging the nation's reputation. The government must strengthen prevention and prosecution efforts strictly. Thailand has declared war on all forms of corruption, drug trafficking, scams, human trafficking, and money laundering, with authorities seizing 40 billion baht in assets from law violators under this administration.

The Anti-Money Laundering Committee reported significant asset seizures, with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, State Audit Commission, Ombudsman, and Public Sector Anti-Corruption Committee all conducting investigations. Anutin explained that various agencies—including the NACC, AMLC, and police—are already investigating local civil service exam fraud, contrary to claims that internal investigations would be like having the defendant judge themselves. Deputy PM Pakorn Nilpraband leads an appointed committee coordinating agencies to maximize enforcement efficiency, with multiple agencies now effectively competing to tackle corruption.

Anutin expressed confidence that no one can escape accountability given the parallel institutional oversight demonstrating clear government intent to build credible systems. The AACC seeks cooperation as a linking mechanism between government, private sector, civil society, and academia to work on unified data and goals, while pushing legal reforms, technology application to reduce discretion, and transparency.

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National

BIOTEC Develops Smart Farming for Centella Production

Researchers from National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) are applying science and technology to im...

23 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Researchers from National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) are applying science and technology to im...

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Regional

Banker Proposes Deep-Sea Port in Ranong Over Land Bridge

BANGKOK: A revised transport network that connects China to western Thailand via a new deep-sea port in Ranong could serve as a more viable alternative to the Land Bridge project, which is considered less feasible, says a banker.

23 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: A revised transport network that connects China to western Thailand via a new deep-sea port in Ranong could serve as a more viable alternative to the Land Bridge project, which is considered less feasible, says a banker.

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National

Bank for Agriculture Launches Two New Deposit Products

BAAC has launched two new 11-month deposit products: Sai Thong offering a fixed 1.10 percent annual interest rate and Pan Thong with tiered rates up to 6.59 percent, both available for enrollment through August 31, 2026.

23 Jul Khaosod

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has launched two new short-term deposit products, announced by Deputy Manager Paisal Hongsthong. The Sai Thong deposit product offers an 11-month fixed deposit with a constant annual interest rate of 1.10 percent (equivalent to 1.29 percent per annum for fixed deposits), available to individuals aged seven and above, groups, juristic persons, government agencies, state enterprises, financial institutions, and insurance companies domiciled in Thailand. The minimum opening balance is 10,000 baht with no maximum deposit limit, and interest is paid monthly, with the first installment beginning August 31, 2026.

The Pan Thong deposit product also has an 11-month term with a tiered interest structure, offering a maximum rate of 6.59 percent per annum with an average rate of 1.10 percent for the full program. The tiered rate is divided into two periods: July 22, 2026 to June 15, 2027 at 1.00 percent per annum, and June 16 to June 21, 2027 at 6.59 percent per annum. Interest is paid monthly on the 15th of each month, with the first payment on September 15, 2026 and the final payment on June 21, 2027. Existing customers rolling over deposits from previous products (Krapung Thong and Thong Nop Khun) may partially or fully transfer to these new products by contacting BAAC branches between July 22 and August 31, 2026.

Both deposit products are now open for enrollment from July 22 through August 31, 2026, or until the bank closes the enrollment period. Individual depositors are exempt from deposit interest tax, while juristic persons are taxed according to Revenue Department regulations. For more information, customers may contact any BAAC branch nationwide or call the Call Center at 02 555 0555.

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National

Chulalongkorn, Thai Cement Group Partner on Carbon Capture

Chulalongkorn University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Thailand Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) to promote pilot-scale carbon capture innovation and accelerate T...

23 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Chulalongkorn University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Thailand Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) to promote pilot-scale carbon capture innovation and accelerate T...

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National

Thailand Prepares Security Guidelines For Smart Devices

Thailand's National Cyber Security Agency is developing security guidelines to protect smart devices like CCTV systems and virtual power plants from cyber attacks, with data sovereignty as a key focus.

23 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) is preparing the country to deal with emerging attacks involving smart devices, particularly CCTV systems and virtual power plants (VPPs) in the energy sector, while deeming data sovereignty a priority.

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National

DSI Submits Local Exam Fraud Data to NACC

The Department of Special Investigation has submitted findings on local civil service exam fraud to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, focusing on cases where victims were deceived and lost money rather than official misconduct.

23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2025, at 10:20 a.m. at Government House, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yutthana Phraidamm, director of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), briefed reporters on progress in investigating fraud related to local civil service exams. He explained that DSI is investigating cases where people have been deceived and defrauded, but the agency's involvement does not extend to cases involving officials with direct examination responsibilities or government officials who may have misled exam takers by falsely claiming to offer assistance.

When asked about the NACC's coordination with DSI, Yutthana said the agency had sent officers to participate in questioning and investigation, representing DSI's cooperative effort, while authority over the case rests with NACC. DSI has initiated its own investigation into cases where victims were misled and lost money. When asked how many complaints have been filed, the DSI director said the number is still low. He noted that the agency must compile and submit findings to NACC, though final figures have not been tallied yet because victims may be aware that authority currently lies with the Central Investigation Police and NACC. DSI will coordinate reports and cooperate with relevant agencies, but this is not classified as a special case because it does not fall directly under the agency's jurisdiction.

When asked how to distinguish between intentional fraud and being deceived, the DSI director said investigators must trace the source and examine those with direct examination responsibilities. If someone without examination duties deceives test takers by falsely promising help, without knowing the perpetrator personally, that constitutes fraud.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

MEA Expands Smart Meter Program for Medical Patients

Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) continues advancing public services by promoting Smart Meter technology to improve the quality of life for patients who rely on electricity-dependent...

23 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) continues advancing public services by promoting Smart Meter technology to improve the quality of life for patients who rely on electricity-dependent...

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next