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Thailand as a magnet for investors: EEC opens doors to ASEAN!
On November 6, 2025, UOB and the EEC in Shanghai promoted investment in Thailand's Special Economic Zone for ASEAN Growth.
Thailand as a magnet for investors: EEC opens doors to ASEAN!
Yesterday, November 6th, a remarkable event was held in Shanghai that highlighted Thailand's potential as an investment destination in the ASEAN region. Under the theme “Thailand: Your Gateway to ASEAN Growth and Prosperity,” UOB Bank and the Eastern Special Economic Zone (EEC) Policy Office brought together policymakers and investors. mgronline.com reports that the EEC, which spans the provinces of Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao, was presented as a strategic project intended to make it easier for Chinese companies to access the booming ASEAN market.
The event represents part of an expanded cooperation based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between UOB Thailand and the EEC office earlier this year. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary General of the EEC Office, highlighted the central role of collaboration between the public and private sectors in positioning Thailand as a leading investment destination in the ASEAN region.
Investment opportunities in focus
A key aim of the event was to promote investment in key industries such as electric vehicles (EV), renewable energy and digital industries. Investment applications in Thailand increased 43% to 848.3 billion baht (about $23 billion) in 2023, according to UOB Bank. The total value of applications also increased by a remarkable 72% compared to the previous year, underlining the country's attractiveness for foreign direct investment uobgroup.com.
What is particularly noteworthy is that in 2024, China was already the second largest foreign investor with 810 projects and a total value of over 174.6 billion baht. Companies like Great Wall Motor have earmarked massive sums for new production facilities in Thailand. The EEC aims to promote technological advancements in Thailand's industries and is envisioned as a hub for strategic industries thailand-magazin.de.
Strong focus on sustainable development
The Thai government has developed a new economic strategy for 2024/2025 to strengthen the country as an attractive location for international investors. This includes promoting future technologies such as digitalization and sustainable development. Skilled labor shortages and bureaucratic hurdles are recognized, while at the same time measures to improve the quality of life are being planned. Innovation and productivity in key industries will be stimulated, with Thailand aiming to digitize 30% of its economy by 2025.
Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly through simplified financing and technical support, is also a key focus of this strategy. The German Foreign Chamber of Commerce also offers support for companies that want to enter the Thai market, which highlights the fact that German investors see promising opportunities, especially in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors. The look at future developments remains exciting!