BANGKOK — The Department of Business Development has reported that foreign investment in Thailand reached ฿100.062 billion (US$3 billion) in the first eight months of 2024 — a 52% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Japan remains the largest investor, with 136 companies and a combined investment of ฿53.176 billion (US$1.6 billion).

In the same period, 163 companies were approved to operate in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), accounting for 30% of all foreign investors this year — a clear sign of growing confidence in the Eastern Seaboard’s long‑term potential.

National Investment Overview

From January to August 2024:

  • 535 foreign companies were approved to operate in Thailand (+23% YoY).
  • 143 received foreign business licences; 392 were certified under investment promotion laws or treaties.
  • Top five investors:
    • Japan — 136 companies (25%), ฿53.176 billion
    • Singapore — 82 companies (15%), ฿8.438 billion
    • United States — 76 companies (14%), ฿3.589 billion
    • China — 68 companies (13%), ฿8.350 billion
    • Hong Kong — 40 companies (7%), ฿12.330 billion

Investments spanned engineering, manufacturing, software development, logistics, and high‑value services. Technology transfer to Thai workers included expertise in horizontal drilling, biosecurity in agriculture, leasing platform operations, and medical ultrasound equipment maintenance.

EEC Investment Highlights

In the first eight months of 2024, the EEC welcomed 163 foreign investors — a 90% increase from the same period in 2023.

  • Total EEC investment: ฿32.573 billion (+128% YoY)
  • Investor breakdown:
    • Japan — 53 companies, ฿11.749 billion
    • China — 39 companies, ฿3.901 billion
    • Hong Kong — 15 companies, ฿5.064 billion
    • Other countries — 56 companies, ฿11.859 billion

Key sectors included automotive design engineering, electronic parts repair, contract manufacturing, and procurement software development.

Implications for the Eastern Seaboard

The EEC’s strong performance is expected to drive sustained demand for industrial, commercial, and residential development in the Eastern Seaboard — particularly in Pattaya real estate and surrounding Pattaya neighbourhoods. Major infrastructure upgrades, including the high‑speed rail link, U‑Tapao Airport expansion, and port modernisation, will further enhance the expat lifestyle Pattaya offers while boosting long‑term Thailand property values.

For related insights:

East Pattaya: Welcome to the “Dark Side”… — exploring a spacious, family‑friendly district benefiting from EEC growth.

U‑Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development Project — how aviation expansion supports the EEC vision.

Property Capital Appreciation: Why Bangsaray Is One to Watch — identifying high‑growth coastal areas.

Author: Mr. KC Cuijpers

For more information: Please contact Town & Country Property – [email protected]