ส.อ.ท.–JETRO ชี้ไทยยังเป็นฐานลงทุนสำคัญของญี่ปุ่น เร่งยกระดับขีดความสามารถรองรับการลงทุนอนาคตFTI–JETRO Indicates Thailand Remains a Key Investment Base for Japan, Accelerating Capacity Enhancement for Future Investments

The survey conducted in the first half of the year by the Japanese business sector indicates that while operators still face pressures from costs, competition, and global economic uncertainties, over 70% remain confident and intend to maintain or increase investments in Thailand, reflecting Thailand's role as a vital manufacturing and supply chain hub in the region.

On August 21, 2026, Mrs. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and executives welcomed Mr. Ichiro ABE, President of JETRO Bangkok, and Mr. Hiroyasu KONDO, President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok (JCC), along with their executive teams. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss the results of the survey on Japanese investor confidence in Thailand for the first half of 2026 and to exchange views on the direction of the Thai economy and industry.

The JCC survey reflects that the Japanese business sector still has concerns about the short-term economic situation due to rising raw material and component costs, intense competition, and domestic purchasing power slowing down.

However, 71% of Japanese companies still plan to maintain or increase their investments in Thailand, and 79% expect exports to remain stable or expand, reflecting confidence in Thailand's long-term potential.

This information is seen as a positive sign for the Thai industrial sector, especially at a time when many countries are competing to attract investments and restructure their global supply chains, as Japanese companies still view Thailand as a crucial manufacturing base in the region, particularly in future industries such as semiconductors, data centers, advanced technology, and industries related to the transition to a digital economy.

Moreover, the Japanese business sector continues to express concerns that require urgent attention, including energy costs, geopolitical volatility, and a shortage of skilled labor, particularly in AI and engineering, which are key factors in future investment decisions.

Regarding the Thai industrial sector, the FTI observes clearer signs of recovery, as the Industrial Confidence Index (TISI) for July 2026 rose to a level of 90.0 from 88.2 the previous month, while the three-month outlook index stands at 96.1, reflecting improved confidence among operators thanks to support from the electric vehicle industry, industrial goods exports, and progress in trade and investment with key partner countries.

The FTI views the JCC survey results as essential data reflecting the expectations of foreign investors. This will lead to the promotion of policy proposals in collaboration with the government to enhance the country’s competitiveness, develop skilled labor to support future industries, manage energy costs, and maintain the confidence of foreign investors, ensuring that Thailand continues to be a crucial destination for investment and production in the region.