Doing Business In Thailand?

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Doing Business In Thailand? ☆

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BOI Business Setup in Thailand

Investment Promotion and BOI Eligibility Advisory for Foreign Investors

Establishing a BOI-promoted business in Thailand involves more than meeting a formal list of eligibility criteria. In practice, BOI eligibility is assessed based on how an investment project is structured, positioned, and aligned with Thailand’s prevailing investment and economic policy priorities.

Although the Board of Investment publishes qualifying activity categories, BOI eligibility in Thailand is not determined by business type alone and remains subject to case-by-case review. Projects that appear eligible in principle may be rejected due to weak structuring or insufficient policy alignment. Conversely, projects that are not immediately apparent as BOI-eligible may be approved when appropriately positioned.

Tax and non-tax incentives vary depending on the approved activity category and conditions attached to the BOI promotion. Standard incentives may include corporate income tax exemptions, import duty waivers, permission for land ownership, and facilitation of work permit and visa processes.

Maverick Consulting Group advises foreign investors on BOI business setup in Thailand with a focus on investment promotion advisory, regulatory feasibility, and institutional decision-making, rather than procedural filing alone.

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BOI Promotion, Eligible Activities, and Eligibility Assessment

BOI promotion is a discretionary investment promotion mechanism administered by Thailand’s Board of Investment. It is granted to projects that align with the Board’s priority sectors, investment thresholds, and contribution to national economic objectives, and is intended to attract investments that support competitiveness and long-term development.

Activities eligible for BOI promotion are classified under four principal divisions, as set out in the Board’s guidelines and aligned with Thailand’s national economic development agenda.The Board of Investment groups eligible activities into the following principal divisions, which provide a general framework for assessing BOI applications.

  • Agricultural, Food, Biotechnology, and Medical Industries

  • Machinery, Automotive, Electrical Appliances, and Electronics Industries

  • Metal, Material, Chemical and Petrochemical Industries, and Public Utilities

  • Digital, Creative Industries, and High-Value Services

These divisions provide a general framework for assessing eligible activities. However, classification under a particular division does not in itself determine approval. Final eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis and depends on how the proposed activity is defined, structured, and positioned.

As outlined in our Eligibility Advisory section, BOI eligibility in Thailand is typically assessed with reference to:

  • the nature and definition of the proposed business activity

  • the project’s economic and policy contribution

  • capital investment, employment, and localisation commitments

  • consistency with current national and sectoral strategies

  • interaction with other relevant regulatory authorities

BOI outcomes are shaped by substance and coherence, not by form alone.

For foreign-owned companies, BOI promotion may provide access to tax and non-tax incentives, including permissions relating to foreign ownership, land use, and work permits, subject to approved conditions and ongoing compliance.

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Scope of BOI Advisory Services

Our BOI advisory services support foreign investors in assessing the suitability and feasibility of BOI promotion in Thailand.

The scope of our work is advisory in nature and focuses on regulatory positioning, investment structuring, and policy alignment relevant to BOI decision-making.

Our advisory typically includes:

  • assessment of BOI viability in principle

  • identification of relevant BOI activity categories

  • guidance on investment structure and implementation planning

  • support on BOI application strategy and clarification stages

We do not provide guaranteed approvals or volume filing services. Statutory filings, company registration, and visa processing are supported through separate engagements or coordination with third-party providers, as appropriate.

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Maverick Consulting Group advises foreign investors on BOI-related matters where regulatory feasibility, policy alignment, and institutional decision-making are central considerations.

What We Address

Investors often approach BOI promotion with uncertainty around eligibility, structuring, and regulatory exposure. Common challenges include:

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Unclear alignment between the proposed business model and BOI priority activities

Uncertainty around whether BOI promotion is appropriate in principle

Investment structures that appear eligible on paper but are weak in policy or economic justification

Fragmented advice across legal, accounting, and regulatory workstreams

Enjoy incentives

from Thailand’s “Board of Investment”

or “Eastern Economic Corridors”

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Maximise your return on investment with Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) incentives. Incentives and privileges are subject to the approved activity category and specific conditions imposed by the Board of Investment.

Our services streamline your application, ensuring you access key benefits:

✓ 100% Foreign Ownership

✓ Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Exemptions

✓ Import Duty Waivers

✓ Land Ownership Permits

✓ Facilitated Foreign Expert Visas

✓ Simplified Currency Remittance

Key Considerations

In practice, BOI assessments commonly consider:

  • how the proposed business activity is defined and justified

  • the project’s economic and policy contribution

  • capital investment, employment, and localisation plans

  • consistency with current national and sectoral priorities

  • interaction with other relevant regulators

BOI outcomes are shaped by substance and coherence, not by form alone.

Initial Discussion

Before proceeding with a BOI application, we generally recommend an initial discussion to assess feasibility and clarify expectations. We offer complementary advisory call from 15 to 20 minutes. The discussion is confidential and non-binding.

This discussion is intended to:

  • determine whether BOI promotion is appropriate in principle

  • identify potential structuring or policy considerations

  • avoid unnecessary cost or delay

To request an initial discussion regarding BOI business setup in Thailand, please contact us.

Our Approach to BOI Business Setup

We support BOI-related engagements through a phased and structured advisory approach.

1. Preliminary BOI Eligibility and Structuring Review

An initial review to assess whether BOI promotion is appropriate in principle and to identify realistic pathways based on the proposed investment.

2. BOI Application Strategy Support

Where viable, advisory support on application positioning, investment structuring, and preparation for BOI review and clarification stages.

3. Post-Approval Advisory and Compliance Support

Advisory support following approval, including coordination on implementation, compliance obligations, and regulatory alignment as operations develop.

Our emphasis is on institutional credibility, feasibility, and long-term sustainability rather than procedural speed.

Request an Initial BOI Eligibility Discussion

  • BOI assessments are conducted on a case-by-case basis and typically consider how the proposed business activity is defined and justified, the project’s economic and policy contribution, capital investment and employment plans, localisation commitments, consistency with national and sectoral priorities, and interaction with other relevant regulators.

  • No. BOI promotion is discretionary and subject to review by the Board of Investment. Approval is not guaranteed, even where a project appears to fall within published activity categories.

  • An initial discussion is structured to provide clarity rather than sales positioning. It typically focuses on:

    • understanding the proposed business activity and investment intent

    • assessing BOI feasibility in principle and identifying realistic pathways

    • highlighting key structuring, policy, or regulatory considerations

    • flagging potential risks or constraints that may affect approval

    Our initial discussion is confidential and non-binding.

  • BOI promotion may allow a promoted company to own land for the purpose of carrying out the approved business activity, subject to size limitations, location requirements, and specific BOI approval. Land ownership is not automatic.

  • In certain approved cases, BOI promotion may permit 100 percent foreign ownership of a company, notwithstanding restrictions under general foreign business regulations. This depends on the approved business activity and conditions imposed by the BOI.

  • Yes. BOI promotion may facilitate work permits and visas for foreign directors and employees, subject to approved positions, qualifications, and compliance with immigration and labour regulations.

  • Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the project, the investment structure, and whether clarification or additional information is required during the review process.

  • BOI promotion may include tax and non-tax incentives depending on the approved business activity, investment scale, and conditions imposed by the BOI.

  • Our advisory support is intended to deliver:

    • a clearer view on whether BOI promotion is suitable for the proposed investment

    • an outline of potential BOI pathways and structuring considerations

    • early identification of regulatory, policy, or implementation risks

    • a basis for informed decision-making on next steps

    We do not provide assurances of approval. Our focus is on supporting disciplined assessment and structured engagement with the BOI framework.

  • Many BOI service providers focus on application preparation and procedural filing. Our work is advisory in nature and informed by an understanding of public policy, regulatory systems, and institutional decision-making in Thailand.

    This allows us to:

    • distinguish between formal eligibility and practical feasibility

    • advise where discretion is likely to apply and where it is not

    • support investment decisions that are institutionally realistic and sustainable

  • BOI-eligible activities are grouped into four principal divisions covering agriculture and food, manufacturing and electronics, materials and chemicals, and digital and high-value services. Eligibility depends on project structure and alignment with BOI policy priorities. For details, see the section on eligible activities above and the Board of Investment’s official guidelines.

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