Thailand BOI revises criteria for foreign personnel positions under Investment Promotion Act.
The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has issued Announcement No. Por. 8/2568, introducing revised criteria for foreign personnel positions under Sections 25 and 26 of the Investment Promotion Act. The new rules set out stricter requirements for hiring foreign experts while emphasising the employment of Thai nationals in BOI-promoted projects.
These changes are designed to strike a balance between attracting foreign expertise and creating sustainable job opportunities for Thai workers, supporting both economic growth and workforce development.
Effective dates
The new criteria will be effective from 1 October 2025 for projects that receive promotion certificates on or after 5 June 2025.
Projects that obtained promotion certificates prior to 5 June 2025 will be subject to the rules starting 1 January 2026.
Key changes and requirements
Thai personnel proportion
The BOI has set specific requirements for the proportion of Thai personnel in BOI-promoted projects, depending on the type and size of the business:
- For manufacturing activities with more than 100 employees, at least 70% of the workforce must be Thai nationals, and foreign personnel positions will only be approved if this threshold is met.
- For manufacturing activities with 100 or fewer employees, as well as for service activities, the proportion requirement does not apply.
- Short-term foreign positions (up to six months) are exempt from the proportion requirement.
- Significant manufacturing projects that cannot meet the quota may request special consideration from the BOI.
Duration of position approval
Foreign personnel positions are generally approved for a maximum of two years. However, certain categories may have shorter or extended approval periods.
Positions in TISO, BPO and IBPO are approved for a maximum of one year.
In contrast, positions in IHQ, ITC, IBC, R&D, targeted technology, electronic design and scientific research are approved for a maximum of four years.
Minimum income and qualification standards
The BOI has introduced specific age, experience and income requirements depending on the position level. These criteria apply to both new hires and extensions.
| Position level | Minimum income per month | Minimum requirements | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive level | THB 150,000 | At least five years’ work experience and 27 years old | Chairman, President, CEO and Managing Director positions are exempt from age and experience requirements |
| Management level | THB 75,000 or THB 50,000 with a bachelor’s degree or higher | At least five years’ direct experience and 27 years old | – |
| Operation level | THB 50,000 | Two years’ direct experience with a relevant degree, or five years’ experience without one. Must be at least 22 years old | – |
| Specialised positions (researchers, engineers, IT specialists) |
| – | – |
| Workstation-based operators (IBPO/BPO) | THB 35,000 | Relevant training certificate and at least 22 years old | – |
Extensions and post-approval obligations
Companies must follow certain rules for extensions and post-approval obligations to maintain compliance with the BOI’s foreign personnel requirements.
- Extensions will be assessed based on the business plan, capacity expansion and the Thai personnel ratio.
- Foreign nationals must continue to meet qualification and income requirements for extensions.
- After receiving full operation approval, the company must reduce the number of foreign employees in operation-level roles to a level the BOI considers appropriate.
Implications for businesses
This announcement introduces a more structured framework for foreign personnel employment under BOI promotion. Companies must now plan their workforce strategies carefully, ensuring compliance with stricter quotas and qualification requirements.
The BOI’s message is clear: international expertise remains welcome, but it must be balanced with local workforce development. Businesses should review their current staffing models and prepare for adjustments ahead of the effective dates to avoid compliance challenges.
