Why Thailand?
Thailand is the United States' 27th largest trading partner.
Two-way trade in 2007 was about US$ 
31.2 billion, with $22.75
billion in Thai exports to the U.S. and $8.44 billion in U.S.
exports to Thailand. From 2006 to 2007, U.S. exports to Thailand
grew by 3.66 percent, while imports to the U.S. grew by about
1.28 percent. In Asia, Thailand ranks as the United States’ 7th
largest trading partner after China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan,
Singapore and Malaysia.
The U.S. and Thailand have enjoyed a special commercial relationship for 175 years, most recently under the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations signed on May 29, 1966. Under the treaty, with the exception of a few sectors, U.S. companies operating in Thailand are afforded national treatment, which places them on an “equal playing field” with Thai companies, a privilege offered to no other trading partners’ companies.
The Thai economy is export-dependent, with exports accounting for 60 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). Thailand’s GDP performance has averaged between 5 and 6 percent since the recovery of the Asian financial crisis. GDP growth in 2007 stood at 4.8 percent, and 2008 is forecast to have the same growth rate.
Trade Agreements
Thailand is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 1992, leaders of ASEAN governments approved a Thai proposal to establish the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which aims to reduce tariffs on most processed agricultural and industrial products traded among ASEAN countries. The scheduled tariff reductions have continued to be pushed forward; currently, most reductions will be in place by 2015. ASEAN is examining the possibility of expanding this special trade relationship with Australia, New Zealand, China, South Korea, India and Japan. Currently, Thailand has a limited bilateral free trade agreement with China and a partial agreement with India. Additionally, on Jan. 1, 2005, Thailand implemented an FTA with Australia, and in 2007 the nation signed a trade agreement with Japan.
Market Opportunity
Thailand’s economic growth has created opportunities for U.S. companies in a number of infrastructure sectors, including electrical power, telecommunications and renewable energy. Thai consumers are creating opportunities for new sales of U.S. medical products, cosmetics, security equipment, food supplements and educational services. Thailand also continues to look for U.S. suppliers of automotive accessories, defense equipment, broadcast equipment, food processing and packaging equipment, and laboratory and scientific instruments.
Best Prospects
Robust economic growth in Thailand has created numerous
opportunities for U.S. companies in varying industry sectors,
including the following: 
- Aircraft and Aircraft Parts
- Automotive Parts and Service
- Broadcast Equipment
- Cosmetic Products Market
- Education Services – Study Abroad
- Electrical Power Systems
- Electronic Components
- Food Processing and Packaging Equipment
- Laboratory and Scientific Instruments
- Medical Devices
- Safety and Security Equipment
- Telecommunication Equipment
- Water Pollution Control
Provided below is a compilation of leading industry sectors in Thailand. Features include: industry overview, trade show events. and current market trends.
- Aircraft & Parts Market
- Automotive Market
- Education Market
- Electric Power & Equipment Market
- Food Processing and Packaging Equipment Market
- Information and Communication Technology Market
- Medical Device Market
- Safety & Security Equipment Market
- Water Pollution Control Equipment Market
Government Regulations Regarding Foreigners Doing Business in Thailand
Prior to conducting business in Thailand, Americans should be familiar with the restrictions on foreign businesses in Thailand, especially the Alien Business Law (ABL). Because of the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, American companies are exempt from many of the restrictions on foreign investment imposed by ABL; however, being familiar with ABL and other restrictions is important. Also known as the National Executive Announcement No. 281 of 1972, ABL restricts business activity of aliens, or non-Thai residents. "Alien" and "alien business" is defined as a natural person or juristic person without Thai nationality. This includes a business with at least one-half of the registered capital held by aliens. The three categories of restrictions are as follows:
- Category A is completely closed to foreigners (with a few exceptions) doing business in certain sectors, most notably accounting, law and architecture.
- Category B is closed to foreigners unless promoted by the Board of Investment. Category B sectors include fishing, printing, tour agencies and other businesses.
- Category C requires an Alien Business License for retail, wholesale and other businesses. A complete list of restricted industries can be obtained upon request.
While exempt from many of these regulations, American businesses are restricted from doing the following:
- Owning land
- Engaging in the business of inland communication
- Engaging in inland transportation and communication industries
- Engaging in fiduciary functions
- Engaging in banking involving depository functions
- Engaging in domestic trade in indigenous agricultural products
- Exploiting land or other natural resources
For more information about Thailand government regulations, visit www.buyusa.gov/thailand/en/foreign_act.html.
Thailand at a Glance
- Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma
- Land Boundaries: Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia
- Area Total: 514,000 sq km (slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming), Land: 511,770 sq km, Water: 2,230 sq km.
- Climate: Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid
- Population: 65,493,296 (July 2008 est.)
- Languages: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects
- GDP Real Growth Rate:4.8 percent (2007 est.)
- GDP – per capita (PPP): $8,000 (2007 est.)
- GDP by Sector: Agriculture: 11.4 percent; industry: 43.8 percent; services: 44.8 percent (2007 est.)
- Labor Force: 36.9 million (2007 est.)
- Government type: Constitutional monarchy
Upcoming Events
For events information, visit www.buyusa.gov/thailand/en/upcoming_events.html.
Contact Us
For more information on how U.S. Commercial Services Thailand can help you enter the Thai market, visit www.buyusa.gov/thailand/en/.
For complete U.S. Commercial Services Thailand contact information, visit www.buyusa.gov/thailand/en/contact_us.html.