EXPORT

Market Profile

  • Population: 671.6 million (Median Age 41)
  • Demographics: 69.6% working age 
  • GDP (2024): USD 526.41 billion
  • Government: Constitutional Monarchy (King as Head of State, PM Anutin Charnviraku as Head of Government)
  • Main Language: Thai
  • Currency: Thai Bhat (THB)
  • World Bank “Ease of Doing Business”(2019)   Rank : 21

Why Thailand ?

  • Thailand sits in the middle of Southeast Asia and is a key gateway to ASEAN and other nations like China, Japan and Middle East.
  • The manufacturing industry is well-developed in Thailand with major industries in automotive, electronics, food processing, petroleum products and electric vehicles (EVs).
  • Thai government provides a variety of tax and investment incentives and policies under the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) to encourage export-oriented industries.

EXPORT

Doing Business in Thailand

1. Economic Landscape

Thailand’s strategic location at the centre of Southeast Asia provides businesses with access to the ASEAN market of over 660 million people and the RCEP market of 2.2 billion consumers. Supported by strong manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and a growing digital economy, Thailand also offers modern transport and digital infrastructure that facilitates regional trade and investment.

2. Business Environment

Thailand offers a business-friendly environment with streamlined business registration, investor support, and efficient licensing procedures. Although the Foreign Business Act (FBA) restricts foreign ownership in certain sectors, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) provides greater ownership opportunities and incentives for promoted industries.

3. Investment Incentives

Thailand remains an attractive investment destination with a 20% Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and 7% Value-Added Tax (VAT). Through the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), investors can access tax holidays, import duty exemptions, and incentives for priority sectors such as advanced technology, renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), digital services, and biotechnology.

Source: Quick Guide to Starting a Business in Thailand 2026, Board of Investment of Thailand

4. Strategic International Business Hub

Thailand has 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 24 economies, providing businesses with preferential market access. As a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Thailand connects investors to one of the world’s largest trading blocs, covering 2.2 billion people and approximately 30% of global GDP.

Source: Quick Guide to Starting a Business in Thailand 2026, Board of Investment of Thailand

 

Main Industries in Thailand

Top 5 Export Partners

Top 5 Import Products

1. Competitive Market

In Thailand, the market is well-established and very competitive, with good domestic conglomerates and international brands. Businesses need to be brand-aware, be value focused and price sensitive and build robust partnerships in the local market.

2. High Tariffs 

Thailand has relatively high import taxes, including agricultural and food products. These tariffs can reduce the competitiveness of dairy product, meat, fresh fruits, processed food and other consumer product exporters as well as raise the costs of market entry.

3.Import License Requirement

There are various products which are imported into Thailand that need licenses, permits or regulatory approvals. Further documentation needs, certification and compliance can lengthen the time taken and add administrative expense to foreign firms entering the market.

4.Government Procurement Concerns

Thailand’s government procurement system can present difficulties for foreign enterprises because of issues with transparency and the process of making decisions. Authorities can change tender requirements, deny bids or conduct a retender, which is confusing and unfavorable to businesses.
 countries.

5.Strict Penalties for Undervaluing of Imports

Thailand imposes severe penalties for undervaluing imports. Even when undervaluation occurs due to negligence or an honest mistake, importers may face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. This strict enforcement approach increases the importance of accurate customs declaration.

1. Energy Sector 

The energy industry in Thailand is ripe for opportunities as the country transitions to carbon neutrality and renewable energy. Solar, wind and biomass, energy storage, smart grids, LNG infrastructure and emerging technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture are all coming into play as growth areas.

2.Economic Outlook (2025) 

The Thai economy is expected to grow at modest rate in 2025, thanks to manufacturing investments and rising foreign direct investments. Despite the current domestic consumption difficulties, key sectors that draw investors are digital technology, electronics, electrical appliances and automotive manufacturing.

3. Infrastructure and Megaproject Development

The Thai government takes great care to develop large-scale infrastructure for the purpose of boosting economic development. Major projects encompass railways, ports, airports, logistics facilities and Eastern Economic Corridor projects, providing opportunities for construction, transportation and engineering companies.

4. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The ICT industry is growing rapidly as Thailand is going through change and transformation, with the penetration of the Internet and the development of e-commerce. Digital solutions are in demand as a result of government support and the increasing uptake of technology, supporting growth in telecommunications, software, cloud and cybersecurity areas.

5. Defence and Security Sector 

Thailand is heavily dependent on imports for defense and security equipment to support military modernization. Continuous investment in aircraft, naval force, armored vehicles, surveillance and disaster management technologies provide opportunities to foreign suppliers and technology providers.

1. Working with Local Agents or Distributors

Partnering with local agents or distributors can be useful to ease businesses into the market of Thailand. They have industry knowledge, established networks and industry relationships that help them comply with regulations, provide access to customers and facilitates quick market penetration with lesser challenges during market entry.

2. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Thailand is a strategic corridor that connects Thailand to ASEAN markets. The region supports advanced infrastructure, logistics connectivity, and advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital technology investment opportunities, which further promote business expansion.

3. Board of Investment (BOI) Incentives

The foreign investors in Thailand get many good incentives such as tax exemptions, import duty reduction, investment support from the Board of Investment of Thailand. Easier procedures and better incentives are provided for priority sectors, including technology, renewable energy, electronics and healthcare.

4. Good Transportation and Logistics Infrastructure

The wide range of transportation and logistics services in Thailand facilitates the smooth transport of goods and services between different regions. Ports, international airports, growing rail network and cross-border connectivity benefits logistics, enhances logistics chain efficiency and boosts access to markets in the ASEAN region.

5. Regulatory Reforms

Thailand is making regulatory reforms to enhance investment climate and doing business. The proposed changes include facilitation of access to the market, a decrease in compliance obstacles and increased flexibility for foreign companies in certain sectors.

  • Thailand is the fourth largest natural gas reserve in the Southeast Asian region with 7.49% or about 2.17 billion boe of remaining natural gas reserves in the region. Its reserves is one of important parts of Thailand’s energy mix and continued investment in exploration and energy diversification.
  • During the forecast period, Thailand’s production is relatively flat at around 2,500 to 1,700 MMcfd between 2025 and 2030. Although production is decreasing over time, Thailand still depends on natural gas as an important energy source for electricity generation purposes.
  • Thailand is the fourth largest crude oil reserves holder, with the reserves accounting for 2.19 billion boe (about 8.20%) of the remaining reserves in the region. Thailand has moderate reserve base but with the decline in production from mature oil fields it is important that exploration and recovery work is continued to ensure domestic supply.
  • Crude oil output in Thailand, which currently is around 180,000 bpd, is projected to gradually decrease to 130,000 bpd by 2030. The drop is due to the normal attrition of old oil fields, leading the nation increasingly to import crude oil and underscoring the need for diversified energy supplies.

EXPORT

STAKEHOLDERS IN THAILAND

Government

Ministry of Energy

  • Oversees the petroleum, gas, and renewable energy sectors
  • Administers the Petroleum Act and the Energy Industry Act

Department of Mineral Fuels

  • Promote and accelerate domestic E&P
  • Manage and monitor petroleum concession awards, exploration, production, storage, transportation, and selling

PTT Public Co. Ltd.

  • State-owned oil and gas company
  • Owns extensive submarine gas pipelines in the Gulf of Thailand
  • One of the largest corporations in the country
  • Only Thai Fortune Global 500 company

Thailand Board of Investment

  • Promotes foreign investment and provides incentives for energy and industrial projects.

Operators

PTTEP

Largest operators as national oil company in the Gulf of Thailand

Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production

One of Thailand’s longest-established international oil and gas operators

KrisEnergy (Gulf of Thailand) Ltd

Upstream oil and gas company focused on the exploration, development, and production of petroleum resources in Southeast Asia.

Carigali Hess Operating Company Sdn Bhd

Operates offshore natural gas exploration, development, and production in the Malaysia–Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA)

Pan Orient Energy (Siam) Ltd

Oil and gas company operating onshore petroleum exploration and production assets in Thailand

ECO Orient Energy (Thailand) Ltd

Thailand-based upstream energy company operating onshore oil concessions and producing crude oil and natural gas in Phetchabun Province.

UAC Utilities Co Ltd

Thai utility and energy company providing integrated energy, industrial utility, and environmental management services

APICO (Khorat) Ltd

Upstream oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum assets in Thailand

OGSE Companies

CAE Asia Ltd

Engineering, fabrication, and offshore construction services for oil and gas projects

LS Engineering & Construction Co Ltd.

Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor serving the energy sector

CUEL Limited

Engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) services for the oil and gas industry

Multiphase Oil and Gas Co Ltd

Provides engineering and technical services for oil and gas production and processing

Dacon Inspection Technologies Co Ltd

Specializes in non-destructive testing (NDT), inspection, and asset integrity services

STP&I Public Company Ltd

Provides eavy steel fabrication and construction for offshore platforms, refineries, and energy infrastructure

TTCL Public Company Ltd

EPC contractor providing engineering, procurement, and construction services for energy and industrial projects

PAE Technical Service PCL

Provides maintenance, engineering, manpower, and technical support services for the oil and gas industry

EXPORT

LIST OF MALAYSIAN OGSE

Vantris Energy Bhd

Provides engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning (EPCC), and maintenance services for the oil & gas industry.

Handal Energy Bhd

Provides offshore crane services, hook-up and commissioning, maintenance, and integrated engineering solutions

HHA Associates Sdn. Bhd.

Provides engineering consultancy, project management, and technical advisory services for oil and gas projects

Yinson Holdings Bhd

Provides integrated offshore production solutions, including floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facilities, offshore marine services, and renewable energy solutions

UZMA Berhad

Provides Hydraulic Workover Unit (HWU), supply production chemicals and oilfield chemicals, including technical services in the Bualuang Field in the Gulf of Thailand

Intecorr Consultancy Sdn Bhd

Provides corrosion engineering, asset integrity management, inspection, and non-destructive testing (NDT) services

Bayu Purnama Sdn Bhd

Provides offshore marine support and logistics services for the oil and gas industry

SA FourthTrade Sdn. Bhd.

Provides industrial procurement, supply chain, and equipment supply services for oil and gas operations

Contact Details

MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN THAILAND

Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand 
33-35 South Sathorn Road, Tungmahamek, Sathorn Road, 10120, Bangkok

Email: mwbangkok@kln.gov.my
Tel: 66-2340-5720 (General line) / +66-2340-5731/5732 (Consular) / +66-87-028-4659 (Emergency)
Web: www.kln.gov.my/web/tha_bangkok 

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS/ INSTITUTES BASED IN THAILAND

MATRADE Bangkok
Commercial and Investment Office
4th Floor, Unit 401, Sathorn Square Office Tower, 98 North Sathorn Road, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak,
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10500 Bangkok,
Thailand

Email: bangkok@matrade.gov.my
Tel: +66 2108 1792
Web: www.matrade.gov.my

Click i-ogse@mprc.gov.my to request more information