Date: August 12, 2026

What is BOI promotion and is my business too small for it?

A BOI promotion is a Thai government programme that encourages investment by offering benefits such as tax incentives, 100% foreign ownership, and simpler visa and work permit requirements. Many businesses, including those in manufacturing, digital services, technology, and other promoted industries, may qualify if they meet the BOI’s eligibility requirements.

What We See In Practice

BOI promotion is only for large factories and multinational companies, isn't it?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

This is a very common misconception, in reality, the BOI is available to a wide variety of business activities and company sizes. While many large manufacturers receive BOI promotion, the programme also supports startups, software companies, technology businesses, and other SMEs. The size of your business is only one factor. What matters most is whether your business activities fall within an eligible promotion category and meets the relevant investment and operating requirements.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) offers exclusive incentives to businesses that contribute to the country’s economic development through investment, innovation, technology, and other targeted industries. Depending on the project, promoted companies may receive benefits such as corporate income tax exemptions, import duty exemptions, permission for 100% foreign ownership, and simplified visa and work permit procedures for foreign employees. The incentives available depend on the specific promotion category and the business activities performed by the company.

Many foreign investors assume BOI promotion is only available to large manufacturers or high-tech companies making major investments, but that is not the case. Many BOI categories have a minimum investment of just THB 1 million, while others focus more on the type of business than its size. Service businesses, software developers, digital companies, and research and development projects can often qualify. The BOI Trade and Investment Support Office (TISO) promotion is also a popular option for service businesses and is often considered one of the most flexible BOI categories because it covers a wide range of business support and advisory services.

Author: Vincent Birot

Vincent Birot is a French-trained international business lawyer based in Bangkok. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sorbonne and an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Exeter (UK), and has passed the Paris Bar examination. He is the Founder of Belaws, a one-stop platform for legal and corporate matters, facilitating access to trusted legal and business professionals who deliver compliant, practical solutions aligned with local laws and on-the-ground realities. He has advised foreign investors for over 10 years on corporate structuring, BOI promotion, cross-border tax, and regulatory compliance in Thailand. He previously served as Vice President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of French Tech Bangkok.