Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has approved four new measures to strengthen Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against global trade challenges, particularly those stemming from US policies. The changes include enhanced incentives for SMEs investing in efficiency improvements, with tax exemptions extended to five years.

Conversely, the BOI will cease granting investment incentives for industries facing oversupply risks, such as solar panel and downstream steel manufacturing, including various steel sheets and tubing, lead-acid batteries, and certain automotive components.

Stricter production criteria for industries like automotive parts, electronics, and metal products now demand significant raw material transformation in Thailand to ensure export benefits.

Additionally, new rules for foreign employment will mandate at least 70% Thai workforce for companies over 100 employees and introduce minimum income thresholds for foreign executives and specialists.