Thailand Investment Relations

Sri Lanka offers an attractive investment destination for Thai enterprises seeking access to South Asian and Indian Ocean markets.

Investment relations between the two countries are supported by:

• Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (effective since 1996)
• Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (effective since 1990)

Thailand ranked among Sri Lanka's important foreign investors, with cumulative Thai Foreign Direct Investment exceeding USD 94 million between 2008 and the first quarter of 2025.

Thai investments have been directed towards sectors such as:

• Manufacturing
• Renewable energy
• Hospitality and tourism
• Agriculture and agro-processing
• Logistics
• Construction
• Packaging
• Infrastructure development

Sri Lanka's strategic location along major East-West shipping routes, liberal investment policies, skilled workforce, and preferential market access make it an attractive destination for Thai investors.

Priority Sectors for Bilateral Cooperation

The Embassy continues to promote collaboration in a wide range of sectors with strong commercial potential, including:

• Gems and Jewellery
• Tea and Value-added Tea Products
• Rubber and Rubber-based Products
• Spices and Cinnamon
• Coconut-based Products
• Apparel and Textiles
• Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Processed Food and Beverages
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Renewable Energy
• Digital Economy and ICT
• Packaging Industries
• Agriculture and Agro-processing
• Logistics and Maritime Services
• Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development

The Joint Action Plan between Sri Lanka and Thailand also identifies investment, infrastructure, fisheries, tourism, agro-industry, financial cooperation, ICT, packaging, and SME development as priority areas for collaboration.

Foreign Direct Investments from Thailand

Source: Board of Investment