Thailand

Thailand is the second-largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in South-east Asia after Indonesia, with exports accounting for 62.3% of GDP in 2012, or 75% including goods and services. Japan has cemented its position as the largest source of FDI: its share of investment reached 44% in the first three quarters of 2013, up from the 30-40% annual range in the decade to 2012. Trade in...

The second-largest economy in South-east Asia and the 34th-largest worldwide, Thailand had a GDP of $366bn and a per capita income of $5168 in 2012. Over the past decade, the economy has expanded at an average rate of 4.3%. Since 2008, however, there have been large economic swings that have been exacerbated by seasonal changes. As a major exporter, Thailand is exposed to fluctuations in global...

Inheritors of an ancient land and a complex culture, today’s Thais once again face difficult social and political challenges. Yet, despite the confrontation that has resulted from these tensions during much of late 2013 and early 2014, the country continues to grow and develop, with much of it unaffected by the turmoil that has been focused primarily on certain high-profile districts of Bangkok....

The growth of Thailand’s heavy industries, as well as consumption among a burgeoning middle class, is fuelling demand for energy. On the production side, this demand is being partly met by increased lignite and natural gas extraction, while oil output continues to decline. The government is hoping that investment-friendly amendments to its Petroleum Act will help slow or reverse this decline. But...

This section includes an article about Songkran, the Thai water festival celebrating the New Year, as well as a feature about the tranquil and historic city of Kanchanaburi. OBG also offers information on hotels, government and other listings, alongside useful tips for visitors on topics like currency, visas, language, communications, dress, business hours and electricity.

In partnership with Tilleke & Gibbons, OBG takes a look at Thailand’s legal system. Key points include revised investment incentives and new tax breaks for foreign companies, as well as the impact of new free trade agreements. Darani Vachanavuttivong, Co-Managing Partner and Managing Director of Intellectual Property (IP) at Tilleke & Gibbins, offers a viewpoint on the importance of IP rights.