Thailand BOI guide
Who can apply for BOI?
Applications are made by companies, or by promoters intending to incorporate, for activities on the promoted list.
Applicants
An application can be filed by an existing Thai-registered company or by promoters who intend to incorporate once the project is approved. Foreign shareholding at application stage is not automatically a barrier — many promoted activities permit foreign majority.
Project types
Promotion is available for new projects and, in defined circumstances, for expansion or relocation of existing operations. The project must be identifiable: activity, capacity, capital, machinery, employment and location.
- A new operating project in a promoted activity
- Expansion of existing promoted or unpromoted capacity, subject to conditions
- Regional headquarters, trade and service centre style activities
- Technology and innovation-led projects with defined criteria
What weakens an application
Applications struggle when the business is essentially local trading or a service that is not on the list, when the project is too thin on substance, or when the numbers cannot support the claimed activity.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a sole trader apply?
- Promotion is granted to a juristic person, so a company is required; promoters may apply ahead of incorporation.
BOI eligibility depends on the specific activity, project and current regulations. This page provides general information and is not official BOI advice.