Foreign investment in Thailand reaches $2.5B in 2021

Thailand saw total foreign investment of 82.501 billion baht ($2.5 billion) last year, creating 5,450 jobs for Thais, the commerce ministry announced on January 31.

Japan remained the kingdom’s highest foreign investor, topping the rankings with 23.260 billion baht or 28.6 per cent of total investment via 163 businesses.

The US was second with 5.948 billion baht (15.4 per cent via 88 businesses) and Singapore third with 10.530 billion baht (15.1 per cent via 86 businesses).

Most of the 570 foreign businesses handed licences in 2021 were related to new or S-Curve industries. The government is seeking to attract S-Curve businesses with investment promotions in a bid to drive economic development.

Foreign investment is expected to expand this year amid signs that domestic and international demand have begun to recover.

The trend of…