Date: August 12, 2026

Does BOI promotion mean my company pays no tax?

No. Receiving a BOI promotion does not automatically mean your company receives a corporate income tax exemption. The incentives awarded depend on the promotion category and the nature of the business. While some projects receive corporate income tax exemptions, others, including the BOI Trade and Investment Support Office (TISO) category, do not receive any corporate income tax exemptions.

What We See In Practice

If my company gets BOI promotion, does that mean I won't pay tax?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

Not necessarily. This is one of the most common misconceptions we come across. While many BOI promotion categories do offer corporate tax exemptions, there are important exceptions that are especially popular with foreign investors. For example, service-based businesses operating under the TISO (Trade and Investment Support Office), Regional Headquarters (RHQ), or International Business Center (IBC) categories do not receive corporate income tax exemptions. Despite this, they still benefit from advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, simplified visa and work permit procedures, and permission to own land for approved business activities.

The benefits available under BOI promotion depend on the type of business you operate. Some companies qualify for corporate income tax and import duty exemptions, as well as 100% foreign ownership, simpler visa and work permit requirements, and permission to own land for approved business activities. Not every BOI-promoted company receives the same incentives, as they vary depending on the promotion category.

Although tax incentives often receive the most attention, they are not the only reason businesses apply for BOI promotion. For many foreign investors, benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, easier visa and work permit requirements, and the ability to carry out activities that would otherwise be restricted under the Foreign Business Act are even more valuable than a corporate income tax exemption. The best BOI promotion is not necessarily the one with the largest tax incentive, but the one that best supports your business model.

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.