Department of Business Development says promising trend seen in 2025 foreign investment totals
PUBLISHED : 12 Feb 2026 at 08:02
Computer services including software, platform development and data centres attracted 65.9 billion baht of investment from 64 investors in 2025, according to the Department of Business Development. (Photo: 123RF)
Foreign investors are expected to continue investing in advanced technology, healthcare and sustainability industries this year, following a record high of 324 billion baht in outlays last year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD) at the Ministry of Commerce.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the department, said the tally in 2025 set a record for foreign investment, with Singapore leading the way at 103 billion baht, followed by Japan with 85.6 billion, China 35 billion, Taiwan 17 billion and Mauritius 16.5 billion.
A total of 1,078 foreign investors operated in Thailand, creating 6,647 jobs for the local workforce.
The top 10 business categories attracted a combined investment of more than 282 billion baht from 797 investors, accounting for 87% of total foreign investment capital in 2025, noted the DBD.
Contract manufacturing services topped the list with 119 billion baht or 36.7% of total investment from 354 investors, followed by computer services including software, platform development and data centres with 65.9 billion baht from 64 investors.
Space and goods leasing services attracted 34.5 billion baht from 82 investors, while engineering services received 27.3 billion from 36 investors.
Consulting and management services recorded 9.47 billion baht from 69 investors, wholesale trade 8.96 billion baht from 92 investors, financial services 7.62 billion baht from 39 investors, accounting services 4.95 billion baht from 19 investors, hotel businesses 2.56 billion baht from eight investors, and contract services with private sector partners such as construction and petroleum drilling 1.85 billion baht from 34 investors.
Mr Poonpong said foreign business operations in these sectors help transfer advanced technologies and specialised skills to Thai workers.
The department anticipates foreign investment in Thailand to remain strong this year thanks to the country’s modern technological infrastructure and favourable economic system, which enhances foreign investors’ competitiveness.
New investments are expected in high-tech industries such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, electric vehicles and components; healthcare and medical services; and environmentally friendly food and sustainable products, in line with global business trends.