Photo credit: DBD
New business registrations are expected to remain steady at approximately 85,000 this year, similar to 2024, largely due to the impact of US tariffs that may influence exports in the second half of the year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
As a consequence, the private sector is adopting a cautious, wait-and-see approach, stated Auramon Supthaweethum, Director-General of the DBD. She projected that the number of new registrations in the latter half of 2025 could reach around 41,000 to 42,000, bringing the total for the year to approximately 85,000. This optimism is supported by government stimulus measures, including the “Tiew Thai Khon La Khrueng” co-payment tourism scheme and low-interest loans targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises, aimed at boosting domestic tourism and consumption.
The DBD forecasts growth in the second half of the year for sectors such as hotels and resorts, condominiums, passenger and freight transportation, food wholesale, and restaurants. However, the possible repercussions of US reciprocal tariffs could adversely affect Thai exports, prompting businesses to delay investment decisions until clearer tariff policies emerge.
To mitigate the potential impact of US tariffs, the DBD plans to strengthen the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs through enhanced trade knowledge and adoption of modern technologies. This includes integrating artificial intelligence into back-office operations, leveraging digital marketing strategies, and organizing business matching events to explore new market opportunities.
In the first half of 2025, there were 43,838 new business registrations, reflecting a 5.49% decline compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, total registered capital increased by 2.8% to reach 149 billion baht. The leading sectors in new registrations were general building construction with 3,490 new businesses, followed by real estate with 2,870, and restaurants or eateries with 1,832.
Regarding foreign investment under the Foreign Business Act, 502 new companies were established, with a combined investment of approximately 112 billion baht. The primary source countries for this foreign investment were Japan, the United States, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. US investments mainly focus on engineering services, retailing vehicle parts and accessories, cosmetics, food supplements, machinery, marketing, consulting, and the production of original equipment such as DC cables, captive screws for PCBs, and alloys used in jewelry manufacturing.