The BOI Advantage: Making Thailand the Investment Hub of ASEAN
The Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand is the country’s key agency for promoting and facilitating foreign investment.
In 2025, BOI continues to roll out competitive incentives across high-value sectors — including EVs, digital technology, green energy, healthcare, logistics, and agritech — making Thailand one of the most business-friendly destinations in Asia.
These incentives not only reduce investment costs, but also simplify ownership, visa, and import procedures for foreign investors (BOI, 2025).
1. Corporate Tax Exemptions and Reductions
One of the most powerful benefits of BOI promotion is corporate income tax (CIT) exemption for qualified projects.
Incentive Overview:
- Up to 8 years of 100% corporate income tax exemption
- Additional 50% CIT reduction for 5 years after the exemption period
- Exemption on import duties for machinery and raw materials used in production
- Special R&D and innovation tax credits for high-tech investments (Thailand BOI, 2025)
Eligible Sectors:
- Smart electronics and semiconductors
- Medical devices and biotechnology
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries
- Software development, cloud, and AI
2. Full or Majority Foreign Ownership Rights
Foreign investors approved under BOI promotion can hold up to 100% ownership in Thai companies, even in sectors that would normally require Thai majority control under the Foreign Business Act.
This is particularly valuable for investors setting up subsidiaries or regional headquarters, as it removes ownership barriers and simplifies repatriation of profits (Ministry of Commerce, 2025).
Key Benefits:
- 100% foreign equity for BOI-promoted activities
- Permission to own land for office and manufacturing purposes
- Streamlined foreign exchange and capital transfer procedures
3. Smart Visa Program for Foreign Experts and Executives
BOI-certified companies can offer employees and executives access to the Thailand Smart Visa, which grants up to 4 years of stay without the need for a work permit.
The program is designed to attract skilled professionals, startup founders, and investors in Thailand’s target industries (BOI Smart Visa Program, 2025).
Smart Visa Benefits:
- 4-year renewable visa for investors and experts
- No separate work permit required
- Fast-track immigration and airport services
- Family inclusion for dependents
4. Land Ownership and Factory Operation Rights
Unlike standard foreign companies that must lease land, BOI-promoted businesses can own land for business operations, including office buildings and production sites.
This privilege extends to foreign industrial investors setting up in designated economic zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) (EEC Office, 2025).
Additional Privileges:
- Permission to own land in BOI industrial estates
- Right to build manufacturing facilities or R&D centers
- Priority access to government-supported infrastructure projects
5. Streamlined Work Permits and Visa Processing
BOI-approved investors and employees enjoy fast-track visa and work permit services at the One-Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit (Chamchuri Square, Bangkok).
This system allows for visa processing in less than 3 hours for eligible applicants (BOI Newsroom, 2025).
Benefits Include:
- On-site issuance of business and Smart Visas
- Consolidated approval from immigration, labor, and tax authorities
- 24/7 online tracking system for renewals
6. R&D, Training, and ESG Incentives
To encourage innovation and sustainability, BOI offers extra tax credits and grants for companies investing in:
- Research & Development (R&D) facilities
- Employee training and skills development
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance
For example, companies investing in renewable technology or eco-friendly production can receive an additional 3-year tax exemption (World Bank, 2025).
7. Strategic Location & ASEAN Market Access
Thailand’s central location offers access to a 660-million-consumer ASEAN market via free trade agreements and regional logistics networks.
BOI incentives make Thailand ideal for setting up regional headquarters, logistics hubs, or export-driven factories (ADB, 2025).
Key Advantages:
- Free trade routes through ASEAN, RCEP, and AFTA
- Growing infrastructure in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
- Strong supply chain links to China, Vietnam, and Malaysia
Why Work with Thai Investment Visa
BOI promotion can significantly increase your business’s profitability and legal privileges — but the process requires precise application strategy and documentation.
At Thai Investment Visa, we simplify the journey, helping you:
- Structure your business to meet BOI eligibility
- Prepare your investment documents
- Secure investor visas and long-term residency status
Ready to maximize your business potential through Thailand’s BOI investment incentives?
Our expert team will help you identify the right promotion category, manage your application, and ensure visa and ownership benefits are seamlessly secured.
👉 Contact our business advisory team today:
📩 hello@thaiinvestmentvisa.com | 📞 +66 2407 1499
🌐 www.thaiinvestmentvisa.com
🧾 Endnotes / References
- Thailand Board of Investment – Investment Promotion & Incentive Guide 2025: https://www.boi.go.th/
- Ministry of Commerce – Foreign Business Act & Ownership Rights Updates (2025): https://www.moc.go.th/
- EEC Office of Thailand – Eastern Economic Corridor Development Plan 2025: https://www.eeco.or.th/en
- World Bank – Thailand Climate-Smart & ESG Growth Policy (2025): https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/10/03/climate-smart-investments-can-put-thailand-on-a-high-income-trajectory
- Asian Development Bank – Thailand Economic Outlook & Regional Integration Report (2025): https://www.adb.org/countries/thailand/economy
- Thailand BOI Newsroom – One Stop Service for Visa & Work Permit 2025: https://www.boi.go.th/
