Bangkok: The Board of Investment (BOI) is actively attracting high-tech investment from China to continue cooperation in connecting global supply chains. The Board of Investment (BOI) participated in the China International Supply Chain Expo to further cooperation in global supply chain connectivity. The BOI also presented at the ASEAN Supply Chain Cooperation meeting, showcasing Thailand as a hub for high-tech investment and a key link in the China-ASEAN supply chain. Furthermore, the BOI pledged to promote cooperation in three future areas: digital and AI, green industry, and advanced manufacturing, in response to the global supply chain restructuring trend.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narut Teodsathirasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), revealed that the BOI led a delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, People's Republic of China. This event, the world's largest international supply chain conference and exhibition, was organized by the China International Trade and Investment Promotion Organization (CCPIT) and was attended by government agencies, business organizations, and leading companies from 85 countries worldwide.
Mr. Narut stated at the ASEAN Supply Chain Cooperation meeting that China, Thailand, and ASEAN have a long-standing and interconnected economic relationship, fostering synergy in trade, investment, production, and logistics. He emphasized that, particularly during times of global volatility stemming from geopolitical issues, energy challenges, and supply chain restructuring, cooperation between China and ASEAN is crucial for building economic resilience and maintaining the region's long-term competitiveness.
Thailand's strengths in attracting investment include five key areas: infrastructure and logistics systems connecting ASEAN and global markets; access to large markets through free trade agreements; a skilled and adaptable workforce; a robust supply chain base; and government policies focused on facilitating and clarifying business operations. In terms of human resources, the government is accelerating workforce development in collaboration with educational institutions and the private sector, particularly through the SkillBridge project, to create skilled personnel to meet the demands of emerging industries and technology-intensive investments. Simultaneously, the government is working to improve regulations and upgrade public services to streamline, transparent, and predictable business processes. The Board of Investment (BOI) has implemented the Thailand FastPass mechanism to expedite key investment projects, from application and permit processes to the commencement of actual operations.
Looking ahead, there are three key areas of cooperation between China, Thailand, and ASEAN:
1. Upgrading the supply chain with digital technologies such as data analytics, production planning, intelligent logistics systems, AI, and digital platforms.
2. Supporting green industries to accommodate the energy transition and achieve industrial sustainability goals.
3. Developing an ecosystem for advanced manufacturing, encompassing research and development, raw material and key component production, human resource development, and connecting local businesses to global supply chains.
'Currently, investment decisions are not only based on the potential of each country, but also on its ability to connect with regional and global supply chains. Participating in CISCE will help create new opportunities for cooperation between Thailand, China, and ASEAN member countries, especially in future industries driven by advanced technology and innovation. This will strengthen Thailand's role as a base for modern industrial investment and a regional supply chain hub,' Mr. Narut said.
In 2025, there were 982 investment promotion applications from China, representing 40% of all foreign investment projects, ranking first, with a total investment value of 172,114 million baht. In the first quarter of 2026, China remained the country with the highest number of investment promotion applications, totaling 155 projects with a total investment value of 17,327 million baht, reflecting the continued interest and confidence of Chinese investors in Thailand.