Bridging Continents

In a world where economic landscapes are shifting faster than ever, savvy businesses are looking beyond traditional markets to secure their future. Enter Thailand, the vibrant heart of ASEAN, where opportunity meets innovation. From September 23 to 26, 2025, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) embarked on a dynamic roadshow across Europe, hosting events in Linz, Brussels, and The Hague. These gatherings weren't just meetings. They were catalysts for cross-continental collaboration, drawing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, eager to diversify their global portfolios.

The ASEAN states can maintain their stable economic growth.

Thailand's BOI Ignites European Interest in Southeast Asian Investment

Thailand’s allure as an investment hub is further amplified by its strategic initiatives to foster sustainable growth and innovation. The BOI highlighted its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a flagship project aimed at transforming Thailand’s eastern region into a high-tech industrial powerhouse. With incentives like 100% foreign ownership in key sectors, streamlined visa processes, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the EEC is attracting industries ranging from robotics to renewable energy. European SMEs, keen on tapping into ASEAN’s rapidly growing consumer base of over 680 million, found the EEC’s offerings particularly compelling, sparking discussions on potential joint ventures and technology transfers during the events.

A Warm Welcome and Shared Visions

The events kicked off with inspiring speeches from Thai ambassadors in the host countries, setting an optimistic tone. They emphasized Thailand's commitment to a rules-based global trading system and the power of international cooperation. In an era of geopolitical uncertainties, these words resonated deeply, reminding attendees that strong partnerships are the bedrock of sustainable growth.

Following the ambassadors, BOI's Deputy Secretary-General Tanita Sirisup took the stage to unveil Thailand's robust investment promotion programs. From tax incentives to streamlined regulations, the BOI's initiatives are designed to make Thailand an irresistible hub for foreign investors. Participants were particularly excited about opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and sustainable energy; areas where Thailand is rapidly emerging as a leader.

EU's Steady Pace Meets ASEAN's Dynamic Surge

To understand the buzz, let's take a step back to the broader economic picture. The European Union, with its projected GDP growth of 1.1% for 2025, is navigating a path of moderate expansion amid global uncertainties. Inflation is stabilizing around 2%, and private consumption is expected to rebound slightly at 0.6%. However, challenges like productivity gaps and the need for a stronger Single Market persist, prompting EU businesses to seek diversification.

In contrast, ASEAN is a beacon of dynamism, with ambitions to become the fourth-largest global economy by 2045. The region saw stronger growth in Q2 2025, fueled by accelerated exports and a burgeoning digital economy. ASEAN's total exports reached $1.95 trillion in 2023, and early 2025 figures show continued momentum, with Q1 exports hitting $367.23 billion. Thailand itself reported a 43% surge in foreign investment in the first four months of 2025, underscoring its appeal.

Trade between the EU and ASEAN further highlights this synergy. In 2024, goods trade volume soared to €258.7 billion, making ASEAN the EU's third-largest trading partner outside Europe. Services trade added another €126.1 billion in 2022, with projections for 2025 indicating even stronger ties amid recovering global demand.

A Game-Changer on the Way

A highlight of the events was the update on the ongoing EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The Thai team anticipates a conclusion in 2026, a timeline that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. This FTA promises to slash tariffs, enhance market access, and boost bilateral trade, benefiting SMEs on both sides. For European companies, it means easier entry into Thailand's thriving market, while Thai exporters gain a foothold in the EU's vast consumer base.

The sessions wrapped up with lively panel discussions and Q&A, where participants delved into practicalities, from navigating regulations to leveraging local partnerships. The interest was palpable, with many expressing intent to explore Thailand as a strategic pivot from over-reliance on other global markets.

BOI's European Network: Your Gateway to Success

Supporting this momentum is the BOI's dedicated European presence, with offices in Frankfurt, Paris, and Stockholm. The Frankfurt office, which organized these forums and oversees Austria and the Benelux countries, is led by the newly appointed Director Romrawee Chandrasen. She extended a personal invitation to interested firms, promising tailored guidance to turn curiosity into concrete investments.

This collaboration extends beyond government efforts. The events exemplified the fruitful partnership between the BOI and private consulting firms like NUCIDA Group, enriching both parties and advancing the shared mission of positioning Thailand as a premier investment destination.

Thailand’s Investment Boom in 2025

In the first four months of 2025, Thailand has solidified its position as a premier destination for global investment, reporting a staggering 43% year-on-year increase in the number of foreign investors and a 5% rise in total investment value, amounting to approximately $1.77 billion (57.86 billion baht). This remarkable surge is driven by growing international confidence in Thailand’s strategic focus on future-oriented industries, including electric vehicles, clean energy, digital infrastructure such as data centers, and retail. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a flagship development zone, continues to be a focal point for this influx, serving as a dynamic hub for innovation and economic growth.

Leading the charge are investors from Japan, the United States, and Singapore, drawn by Thailand’s forward-thinking policies and commitment to fostering cutting-edge sectors. The government’s proactive efforts to streamline licensing procedures and enhance regulatory frameworks have further bolstered the country’s competitiveness, making it an attractive landscape for global businesses. As Thailand positions itself at the forefront of sustainable and technological advancement, the EEC’s role as a catalyst for transformative industries signals a bright and prosperous future for the nation’s economy.

NUCIDA's Comprehensive Support for Company Setup in Thailand

Thailand, often dubbed the "Land of Smiles" for business, offers a welcoming ecosystem with incentives like the Board of Investment (BOI) promotions, tax holidays, and 100% foreign ownership in priority sectors such as digital services and green energy. However, navigating the Thai Limited Company formation process (from name reservation and memorandum of association drafting to obtaining work permits and tax IDs) demands precision. NUCIDA's Thailand-focused services are engineered for efficiency, drawing on partnerships with local legal experts and government agencies.

For us, digitization does not just mean modernizing what already exists but, most importantly, reshaping the future. That is why we have made it our goal to provide our customers with sustainable support in digitizing the entire value chain. Our work has only one goal: your success! 

• Legal and Regulatory Navigation: Drafting incorporation documents compliant with the Foreign Business Act, securing BOI approvals for incentives (e.g., eight-year corporate tax exemptions), and handling visa/work permit applications via the One-Stop Service Center.
• Operational Blueprinting: Designing organizational structures, from entity selection (e.g., Thai Limited vs. Branch Office) to supply chain integration, with AI-optimized process mapping to reduce setup time by up to 40%.
• Talent and Compliance Integration: Sourcing skilled local talent through vetted networks and embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance from inception, aligning with Thailand's 2025 sustainability mandates.

Thailand serves as an ideal launchpad, but true regional dominance requires a multi-country strategy. NUCIDA's ASEAN Expansion Accelerator extends its Thailand model across the bloc, capitalizing on the ASEAN Economic Community's (AEC) single-market vision. With strategic alliances in Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila, NUCIDA provides localized yet harmonized support, mitigating the "ASEAN paradox" of economic integration amid national variances.

Source: Council of the European Union

Besides Thailand, consider these diverse landscapes:

• Singapore: As ASEAN's innovation nexus, with a 2025 GDP growth of 2.9% and zero corporate tax on the first S$100,000 of income, NUCIDA facilitates swift incorporations via the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Services include fintech licensing and IP protection, ideal for tech startups eyeing the region's $200 billion digital economy.
• Malaysia: Boasting 5.1% GDP growth and incentives like the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) grants, NUCIDA streamlines setups in Penang's tech corridor, handling Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status for tax breaks up to 100% on qualifying income.
• Indonesia: The archipelago's 5.0% growth and 275 million-strong market demand robust navigation of the Omnibus Law reforms. NUCIDA's teams manage BKPM investment approvals and PT PMA formations, with AI analytics pinpointing high-potential sectors like e-commerce, where investments topped $10 billion in 2024.
• Vietnam: With explosive 6.5% GDP expansion and FDI at $15 billion YTD 2025, NUCIDA accelerates Investment Registration Certificates (IRC) and Enterprise Registration Certificates (ERC), focusing on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City's manufacturing booms.
  Philippines: Amid 6.2% growth and the CREATE Act's incentives (e.g., 5% tax on gross income), NUCIDA supports BOI-registered ventures in BPO and renewables, streamlining SEC registrations.

Looking Ahead: Why Now is the Time to Invest

As ASEAN charts its course through the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, focusing on enhanced intra-regional trade and institutional strengthening, opportunities abound. For EU SMEs facing subdued growth at home, Thailand offers a high-reward alternative with its skilled workforce, strategic location, and government-backed incentives.

The BOI's European roadshow wasn't just an event series. It was a bridge to prosperity! If you're a business leader eyeing diversification, Thailand beckons. Reach out to the BOI today and be part of the next chapter in EU-ASEAN economic success.

Establishing a company in Thailand or any ASEAN nation is a bold step toward global resilience and prosperity. With NUCIDA Group as your navigator, what once seemed a labyrinth becomes a clear path to exponential growth. Whether you're an SME eyeing Thailand's EEC or a multinational plotting a pan-ASEAN footprint, NUCIDA's expertise ensures compliance, innovation, and a competitive edge. As ASEAN surges toward its 2030 vision of a fully integrated digital community, the question isn't if you should expand. It's how quickly you can partner with NUCIDA to lead the charge. Contact us today, and let's co-author your success story in the world's most promising economic bloc.

Want to know more? Watch our YouTube video, Why ASEAN is the Next Big Thing in Global Economics, to learn more about the ASEAN opportunities.

Logos and pictures from pixabay.com and NUCIDA Group
Article written and published by Torsten Zimmermann