Effective October 2025
Overview
The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has announced new regulations under Announcement No. Por. 8/2568, dated June 5, 2025, concerning the approval, employment, and extension of foreign experts in BOI-promoted projects.
This new framework replaces Announcement No. Por. 3/2567 and will have significant implications for all BOI-promoted companies employing foreign staff.
The regulation introduces stricter employment ratios, minimum salary thresholds, and eligibility conditions for foreign employees, aiming to align workforce development with Thailand’s long-term economic strategy.
Effective Dates
- For new BOI projects (certificates issued on or after June 5, 2025):
The new regulation will be effective October 1, 2025. - For existing BOI projects (certificates issued before June 5, 2025):
The regulation will apply from January 1, 2026.
1. Employment Ratio Rules
- For manufacturing companies employing more than 100 employees, at least 70 % of total staff must be Thai nationals.
- Exemptions apply to:
- Companies with fewer than 100 employees
- Service-sector entities
- Short-term positions (less than 6 months)
- Manufacturing projects deemed strategically important and approved by the BOI on a case-by-case basis
This adjustment underscores the government’s emphasis on enhancing local employment and skills development.
2. Minimum Salary and Qualification Requirements
| Position Level | Minimum Age | Experience | Minimum Salary (THB) | Remarks |
| Executive (CEO, CFO, MD, etc.) | 27 | ≥ 5 years | 150,000 | Age/experience not required for CEO, MD, Chairman |
| Management (Manager, Assistant Manager) | 27 | ≥ 5 years direct | 75,000 (50,000 if Bachelor +) | |
| Operational | 22 | ≥ 2 years in related field / ≥ 5 if unrelated | 50,000 | |
| Researcher (S&T) | 22 | ≥ 2 years in related field / ≥ 5 if unrelated | 50,000 (75,000 if non-related Bachelor) | |
| Engineer / IT Specialist | — | — | 50,000 – 75,000 | Depending on role |
| IBPO Operator | — | — | 35,000 | |
| Teacher / Pilot | — | — | None (license required) |
Positions authorized for stays not exceeding six months are exempt from minimum salary requirements.
3. Approval Periods
- Standard approval duration: maximum 2 years
- Exceptions:
- TISO / BPO / IBPO: up to 1 year
- R&D, IHQ, IBC, ITC, Targeted Technology Development, Electronic Design: up to 4 years
- Science & Technology Researchers: up to 4 years
4. Extension Conditions
Extension approval will depend on:
- Business expansion and process improvement
- Compliance with employment ratio
- Income verification through PND 1 or PND 1 Kor forms and employment contracts
Renewals will be considered only if consistent with the company’s approved business scope.
5. Transition After Full Operation
Once a BOI-promoted company has reached full operational status, it must gradually reduce the number of foreign nationals in operational roles to a level deemed appropriate by the BOI.
This reinforces the BOI’s long-term objective of increasing Thai participation in skilled positions.
Summary
The new BOI regulation reflects Thailand’s ongoing effort to balance foreign expertise with domestic employment growth.
BOI-promoted companies should review their current staffing structure, salary scales, and HR policies before October 2025, ensuring compliance with the upcoming requirements to avoid potential delays in visa and work permit approvals.
Advisory Note from B-Accounting
Our Visa & Work Permit Department closely monitors BOI and immigration regulations.
We advise all BOI-promoted companies to review their employment ratios and foreign employee qualifications in advance.
For compliance support, BOI consultations, or work permit renewals, please contact: info@b-accounting.com
