Nonthaburi, Feb. 16 - The Director-General of the Department of Business Development revealed that in January 2024, foreigners invested 7,171 million baht in Thailand. Japan was the number one investor with 3,793 million baht, followed by Singapore with 1,083 million baht and China with 768 million baht, employing 172 Thai people. Mrs. Oramon Sapthaweetham Director-General of the Department of Business Development revealed that in January 2024 there will be permission for foreigners to invest and conduct business in Thailand. Under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542, a total of 54 cases were investments through the channel of applying for a foreign business license, 14 cases and requesting a certificate of foreign business operation. (via investment channels according to the investment promotion law or is permitted according to the law on the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and exercising rights according to treaties or international agreements) 40 people, total investment of 7,171 million baht, emp loying 172 Thai people. The top 5 foreigners investing in January 2024 are: 15 Japanese, accounting for 28 percent of the number of foreign businesses in Thailand, investment of 3,793 million baht in businesses such as service businesses that are contracts with the private sector It is the procurement and installation of equipment for the Acetylene Black Plant. The electronic commerce service business (e-Commerce) is a central platform for sourcing housekeepers/cleaning staff. Product manufacturing service business (Aluminum cans/Automobile parts/Equipment for industrial machinery) Singapore 7 companies, accounting for 13 percent of the number of foreign businesses in Thailand, investment of 1,083 million baht in businesses such as Data Center service business, contract service business for generating electricity from solar energy. Software development service business for sale and/or provide services (Human resources and salary management software/restaurant internal management software) 3. 7 Chinese comp anies, accounting for 13 percent of the number of foreign businesses, investment of 768 million baht in businesses such as large scaffolding rental services. (Scaffolding) for supporting weight used in large construction projects. Retail business (Supplementary products/Medicine/Sports equipment) Product manufacturing service business (Car seat parts/Specialty Coated Plastic Labels and Packaging Films) United States, 6 companies, accounting for 11 percent of the number of foreign businesses, investment of 26 million baht in businesses such as design, installation, development, improvement, upgrading, care, maintenance, linking, and website consulting services. Food and beverage sales business application and providing advice, guidance and management regarding restaurant business operations. Retail business (Chemical products/seasonings/food substances and additives) Hong Kong 4, accounting for 7 percent of the number of foreign businesses in Thailand, investment of 264 million baht in businesses such as con sulting, advice and management services. Including training in the management of restaurants and cafes within the merchandise stores. Product manufacturing service business (Audio Visualproduct/Office Electronic Products) Service Business for Filmmaking Business It is a service for coordinating films from foreign countries that are filmed in Thailand. However, it can be considered that the entry of foreigners into doing business in Thailand in the past In particular, the above industries help in transferring technology, which is specialized knowledge from investing countries to Thai people, such as knowledge about high-level customer service techniques and customer relationship management. Knowledge about the properties and quality of polyurethane foam materials Knowledge about innovative technology in clinical medical devices Knowledge about safety in operations and the design of scaffolding used for large construction projects, etc. In this regard, when comparing January of 2023, it was found that allowin g foreigners to invest and conduct business in Thailand increased by 2 cases (4%) (Jan. 2024 allowed 54 cases / Jan. 23 allowed 52 cases). And there was an increase in investment value of 2,042 million baht (40%) (Jan. 2024 invested 7,171 million baht / Jan. 2023 invested 5,129 million baht), but there was a decrease in employment of 649 Thai people (79%). (Jan. 2024 employs 172 people / Jan. 2023 employs 821 people) with the highest number of investors still being Japanese investors. For investment in the EEC area by foreign investors In January 2024, there were 17 foreign investors interested in investing in the EEC area, accounting for 31 percent of the total number of foreign investors in Thailand. This is an increase from January 2023, numbering 9 companies, accounting for 113 percent (Jan. 2024, investing in 17 companies / January 2023, investing in 8 companies), with an investment value in the EEC area of ??2,296 million baht, accounting for 32 percent. of all investments There are investors from Japa n, 5 investors investing 476 million baht, China 5 investors investing 462 million baht, Korea 2 investors investing 280 million baht, and other countries, another 5 investors investing 1,078 million baht. The invested businesses include vehicle parts research and development services business. Electrical engineering and technical services business, such as giving advice on installing systems to increase the efficiency of using machines Product manufacturing service business (Plastic parts for industry/Capacitor/all types of cleaning products) etc. .-514 - Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency