Thailand Q3 Investment Up 2.8%, 600,000 Jobs Created
Deputy PM Ekniti reported a 2.8% year-on-year rise in actual BOI investment for Q3 2026, reaching about 260 billion baht and creating roughly 600,000 jobs. Construction, digital, and smart electronics led the growth. He will lead a Thai business delegation to Japan next week to attract further investment.
At 1:00 p.m. on November 13, 2026, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas briefed reporters after meeting the Prime Minister to update the economic situation. He presented the latest investment figures from the Board of Investment (BOI), which reflect actual investments, not just applications. BOI data for the third quarter show investment up 2.8% from the previous year, or about 260 billion baht. Details will be further clarified by the BOI. The increase reflects growing investor confidence for three straight quarters, with over 30% going to construction, boosting that sector and employment. Other areas include digital and high-growth smart electronics such as automotive sensors, especially for modern vehicles requiring front and rear sensors. Agriculture, food processing, and agro-industry ranked third.
Ekniti said the overall investment trend shows Thailand's economy moving in a positive direction, aligning with the economic team's policy of using investment as a driver to revive the economy in the short term and enhance long-term competitiveness. A key goal is to transfer skills and hire more Thai workers. Since early last year, about 600,000 Thais have been employed. The BOI Secretary-General has also engaged Thai investors to bring local firms into supply chains and use domestic raw materials so Thai businesses benefit.
Ekniti added that he will lead a roadshow to Japan next week, accompanied by representatives from the public and private sectors, including the Joint Public-Private Consultative Committee, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers' Association, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, plus seven flagship Thai industries: modern agriculture, food processing, smart electronics, future automotive, hotel and restaurant, wholesale and retail, and creative economy, as well as health-related businesses. Japanese investors have requested many meetings, particularly in the automotive sector, which is expected to generate continuous investment.
Asked about balancing investors from different countries, Ekniti said Thailand positions itself as neutral, trading with everyone and serving as a trusted connector amid global conflicts. The visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Thailand this evening further reflects international confidence in Thailand as a strong point after the 2026 IMF-World Bank meetings.
