Bangkok: By 2025, Thailand anticipates a surge in foreign investment, reaching its highest level in five years, alongside a steady growth in new businesses.

According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Business Development announced that December 2025 saw the registration of 5,187 new businesses, marking an 18.51% increase from the previous year. However, projections for the entire year 2025 indicate a slight decrease in new business registrations, with a total of 85,251, down by 2.68%.

The department reported that foreign investment in Thailand is expected to total 324,148 million baht for 2025. This comes as the country continues efforts to regulate nominee structures and fraudulent accounting practices, with plans to enhance these measures in 2026. Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, highlighted significant growth in sectors such as services supporting other businesses, hospitality, and logistics. Despite the increase in business registrations, the registered capital saw a decrease of 41.54% compared to the previous year.

Throughout December 2025, business closures were also recorded, totaling 6,112, which represents a marginal increase of 0.77%. The registered capital for these closures experienced a significant decrease of 49.30%. Over the entire year, 22,783 businesses ceased operations, a decrease from the previous year. Foreign investment permissions were granted to 1,078 investors, marking the highest investment value since 2021.

The top countries investing in Thailand included Japan, Singapore, China, the United States, and Hong Kong, with Japan leading in the number of permits. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) attracted significant foreign investment, with projects primarily funded by China, Japan, and Singapore, contributing to 33% of the total investment value.

In 2025, efforts to suppress nominee accounts saw collaboration with 17 key agencies to scrutinize high-risk legal entities across various sectors. The Department of Land Transport forwarded information on suspected offenders to relevant authorities for legal action. Measures to combat nominee accounts are set to intensify in 2026, with an emphasis on technology and rigorous law enforcement to ensure a transparent business environment.