BOI Promotion in 2025: Which Activities Qualify (and What You Actually Get)

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is an important institution for international businesses looking to invest in Thailand. With the 2025 BOI promotion plan, investors will find numerous opportunities amid new incentives designed to attract foreign capital and enhance specific sectors of the economy. This comprehensive guide clarifies which activities qualify for BOI promotions and outlines the benefits available to eligible businesses.

The 2025 BOI Strategy & Sector Map

The BOI’s strategy for 2023–2027 focuses on restructuring industries to position Thailand as a smart, sustainable, and international business hub. The key areas highlighted for 2025 promotion include BCG (bio-circular-green economy), xEV (electric vehicles), semiconductors and advanced electronics, digital/data centers, and capabilities for international business centers.

A modern factory focusing on electric vehicle production.

The push towards a BCG economy emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness—key factors motivating many investors today. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important, and Thailand aims to be a leader in this field. Moreover, the focus on digital technology and international business centers shows the government's intention to create a conducive environment for startups, innovation, and data management.

Incentives—Tax & Non-Tax

One of the most attractive aspects of BOI promotion is the wide range of incentives available. These can be categorized into tax and non-tax incentives.

Tax Incentives

Corporate income tax (CIT) exemptions can last from 13 to 15 years, depending on the type of activity and location. Investors can benefit from import duty relief on machinery and raw materials, and some activities may qualify for extra deductions on expenses. The specific advantages depend on the A-tier classification that the project falls under, which ranges from A1+ to A4.

A large warehouse with advanced manufacturing machinery.

Non-Tax Incentives

The non-tax incentives include 100% foreign ownership of the promoted project, land ownership and usage rights, and streamlined visa and work permit processes. This includes the option for recipients to obtain a SMART Visa, which is particularly beneficial for highly skilled professionals.

These incentives serve to make Thailand an attractive prospect for both new and established businesses from abroad.

Examples of Promoted Activities (2025)

The BOI has delineated specific activities that will receive promotion in 2025. Here are a few key examples:

xEV and Key Parts

Investments in electric vehicle components will encompass crucial parts like batteries, traction motors, inverters, and battery management systems (BMS). Charging stations are also included in this category, as the infrastructure to support electric vehicles is becoming increasingly vital to Thailand's economic landscape.

A charging station designed for electric vehicles.

Semiconductors and Advanced Electronics

Thailand seeks to solidify its position in the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Activities may involve IC (Integrated Circuit) design, wafer fabrication, testing, advanced packaging, and printed circuit boards (PCBs). These sectors are vital not only for Thailand but also for a range of global industries.

Digital and Data Centers

Given the growing dependence on digital infrastructure, significant momentum is building around the establishment of data centers and cloud services in Thailand. The BOI has already announced multi-billion pledges for various data initiatives, reinforcing the sector's importance.

BCG Initiatives

In expanding the BCG efforts, projects related to bio-refineries, biobased materials, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), energy storage systems, hydrogen, and recycling initiatives will all fall under BOI promotion. These projects help in achieving sustainability and addressing global climate challenges.

Application Mechanics: e-Investment and A/B Grouping

To access BOI promotion, businesses will use the e-Investment platform provided by the BOI. Submissions must be complete to avoid a common issue where inadequate applications lead to a correction window of 30 days.

The BOI classifies applications into two groups:

• A (tax + non-tax): This includes A1+ to A4 tiers, which provide various tax benefits alongside non-tax incentives.

• B (non-tax): This tier typically includes less comprehensive incentives.

  
  

It is crucial to prepare thorough technology and workforce plans along with localization narratives from the start to prevent unnecessary rewrites or delays in the approval process.

Practical Takeaway

When considering potential BOI promotion, businesses should prioritize aligning their proposed activities with the specified A-tier classifications. Evaluate your project's capital expenditure, technology narrative, and workforce development strategy to suit BOI's strengths. Expect a thorough review focusing on factors such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, skills transfer, and ecosystem fit.

By actively engaging with the BOI early in the process, companies can better position themselves to leverage the available incentives effectively. Matching project details with BOI requirements can significantly enhance the likelihood of receiving the desired support.

Next Steps for Investment Success

As you explore the opportunities presented by the 2025 BOI promotion, it is beneficial to conduct a deep dive into your project's potential, assessing aspects such as capex, chosen activities, and workforce requirements.

Share your project brief, including relevant details like capital expenditure, the activity proposed, and workforce headcount. We'll provide you with a tailored two-page BOI eligibility memo and a projected incentive estimate to clarify your prospects.

Conclusion: Explore the BOI Opportunity

Investment in Thailand's BOI promotion up to 2025 offers unique pathways for businesses focusing on modern, sustainable offerings. Whether you're interested in electric vehicles, advanced electronics, or data centers, the right support can enhance your chances of successful implementation.

Stay informed and engaged to make the most of what 2025 has to offer!

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