Thailand

Welcome to Thailand

As the country’s first commercial bank, HSBC’s history in Thailand stretches back over 13 decades. Today, HSBC Thailand offers banking services to businesses, combining in-depth local knowledge with global expertise. That means we’re well positioned to help you take advantage of the many opportunities Thailand has to offer.

Continued investment in Thailand’s infrastructure has seen it develop world-class transport links both internationally and domestically. These include enhanced shipping capacity, improved air transport links and capacity, and high-speed rail links. Coupled with cutting edge digital infrastructure, Thailand’s trade and commerce will continue to flourish throughout the country, with the economic powerhouses of China, Japan and the United States presenting opportunities for further growth. With the recent introduction of the onshore Private Banking Business in Thailand, HSBC provides a comprehensive range of cross-border and financial services to suit both your personal and business needs, whether you are moving to the region, working in the area, investing or doing business in Thailand.

Welcome to Thailand – I look forward to doing business with you.

Giorgio Gamba Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Thailand

HSBC Building, 968 Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Thailand: At the heart of growing economies

• Development success story

  Thailand has undergone a remarkable transformation, growing from a low-income economy to an upper-income economy in the space of a generation. This development is the result of consistent, strong average annual growth – 7.5% between 1960 and 1996 and 5% between 1999 and 2005 – which has created jobs and helped lift people out of poverty.

• Biting the bullet

  Thailand is in the midst of an ambitious railway infrastructure project that will bring bullet trains within the next five years. The aim is to connect Thailand’s three major airports and to improve access to the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor, where roughly 80% of foreign investment in Thailand takes place.

• Competitive economy

  In 2021, Thailand's drive to acquire greater foreign direct investment helped secure 28^th place for the country in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.

• At the crossroads of Asia

  Thailand sits at the crossroads of Asia – a growing economic market with huge potential. As a founding member of ASEAN and instrumental in the development of the ASEAN Free Trade Area, the country is well placed to offer trade opportunities with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and India, among other Asian nations.

• Welcoming to international businesses

  Long established business-friendly laws and liberal free trade policies make Thailand an attractive environment for foreign investment. This is supported by a variety of tax incentives and import duty exemptions offered by the Thailand Board of Investment.

Country profile

In Thailand, lush tropical beaches and ancient ruins sit in stark contrast to the futuristic ultra-urban landscape of Bangkok. A growing tourist destination due to its renowned natural beauty, the country is also recognised for its celebrated cuisine.

Ideally situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand provides a strategic business location, with easy access to many Asian nations, including Cambodia, Vietnam, China and India. Thailand’s strategic position is strengthened by an open economy, liberal trade and economic policies as well as participation in many free trade agreements, including the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). Thailand is also embracing the Belt and Road Initiative to drive closer cooperation with China. Meanwhile, government investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor and in key industries through its Thailand 4.0 policy offers significant and sustainable economic growth potential.

Thailand was officially known as Siam until 1939. The independent country of Siam was ruled by a monarchy until 1932.

Since 1960, Thailand has achieved a meteoric rise from a low-income to an upper income country – but plans for improvement don’t stop there. In 2017, the government instituted a 20-year National Strategy for reaching developed country status.

Broad reforms are being enacted to achieve this goal that will address economic stability, human capital, equal economic opportunities, sustainability, competitiveness and more.

Read on to discover more about the dos and don’ts of doing business in Thailand and how trading in or with the country could help boost the future growth of your business.

5 key challenges when doing business in Thailand²

1. 1

   Weak IP protections

   Thailand is seen as having weak intellectual property protections – ranking 47^th out of 55 countries on the 2022 U.S. Chamber International IP Index.

2. 2

   Construction permits

   Obtaining construction permits can be a challenge. Expect the entire process to take roughly 113 days from start to finish.

3. 3

   Changing demographics

   The makeup of Thailand's population is changing, with about 20% of the population over the age of 60. This is projected to climb to 30% by 2050.

4. 4

   Vulnerable to climate change

   Addressing climate change will be a major challenge for Thailand in the coming years, especially as the rainy season becomes more erratic, disrupting agricultural production. Additionally, Bangkok, a city of canals, is sinking by up to two centimetres a year.

5. 5

   Widening gap

   The disparity between urban and rural areas is widening in Thailand, particularly when it comes to things like income, education and productivity levels.