BOI Promotion: How Foreign Investors Can Own 100% of a Thai Company

One of the most common questions we hear from foreign entrepreneurs is: “Can I fully own my company in Thailand?” The answer is yes, through the Board of Investment (BOI) promotion program. This article sets out what you need to know.

Read the full BOI Promotion guide

What is BOI Promotion?

The Board of Investment is a Thai government agency that encourages domestic and foreign investment by offering tax and non-tax incentives. Over 200 business activities across seven categories (from agriculture and manufacturing to technology and digital services) are eligible for promotion.

Key Benefits

BOI-promoted companies enjoy significant advantages:

• 100% foreign ownership: bypassing the standard 51% Thai requirement
• Tax holidays: corporate income tax exemptions for 3 to 8 years for most activities, up to 13 years for the top category (A1+)
• Import duty exemptions on machinery and raw materials
• Land ownership: permission to own land for approved projects
• Simplified work permits: faster processing for foreign employees

Who Qualifies?

Priority activities include software development, digital platforms, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, automation, and creative industries. The BOI categorizes activities into tiers (A1+ through B) with different incentive levels.

Technology and innovation-focused businesses typically qualify for the highest tier (A1+), with 10 to 13 years of tax exemption.

The Application Process

The BOI application involves four main steps:

1. Identifying the right activity category for your business
2. Preparing a detailed project proposal with investment and employment projections
3. Submitting to the BOI office for formal review
4. Committee review and approval (typically 40-90 business days)

Once approved, companies receive a promotion certificate outlining their specific incentives and conditions.