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. Here’s what you need to know.
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
- 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 B2) with different incentive levels.
Technology and innovation-focused businesses typically qualify for the highest tier with 8 years of tax exemption.
The Application Process
The BOI application involves four main steps:
- Identifying the right activity category for your business
- Preparing a detailed project proposal with investment and employment projections
- Submitting to the BOI office for formal review
- Committee review and approval (typically 40-90 business days)
Once approved, companies receive a promotion certificate outlining their specific incentives and conditions.
Get Started
DDES Accounting handles the complete BOI application process from activity analysis through certificate issuance. We also provide ongoing compliance support to ensure your company maintains its promotion status.
Contact us for a free consultation to explore whether BOI promotion is right for your business.