Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI (Board of Investment)) has announced a major update to its rules governing the employment of foreign professionals in BOI (Board of Investment)-promoted companies. The new regulation, issued under Notification Por 8/2568, will take effect on 1 October 2025 and replaces earlier requirements on expatriate employment.
The revised framework is designed to strike a balance between attracting foreign talent, supporting economic growth, and strengthening local employment and skill development.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Rules
The updated requirements apply to all BOI (Board of Investment)-promoted companies that plan to hire new foreign employees or renew visas and work permits for existing expatriate staff.
The effective date depends on when a company received its BOI (Board of Investment) promotion certificate:
- Companies approved before 5 June 2025 will need to comply starting 1 January 2026.
- Companies approved on or after 5 June 2025 must comply from 1 October 2025.
New Minimum Salary Requirements for Foreign Employees
Under the new notification, companies must provide proof that foreign employees meet specific minimum monthly income thresholds at the time of application or renewal.
The updated salary levels are structured according to job position:
- Executives: at least THB 150,000 per month
- Management, engineers, researchers, or IT specialists: THB 75,000 per month, or THB 50,000 if the individual holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering, research, or IT
- Operational and R&D roles: THB 50,000 per month
- Operators under IBPO or TISO-IBPO projects: THB 35,000 or above
For first-time applications, employment contracts must be submitted as evidence. For renewals, companies are required to provide income documentation such as tax forms showing actual earnings.
Thai-to-Foreign Employee Ratio Rules
The notification also updates requirements on workforce composition, depending on business type:
- Manufacturing companies with more than 100 employees must ensure at least 70% of their workforce is Thai.
- Manufacturing companies with fewer than 100 employees, as well as service businesses, are not subject to a minimum Thai employee ratio.
- High-priority manufacturing projects may request more flexible ratios on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval and justification to the BOI (Board of Investment).
Notably, these salary and workforce ratio requirements do not apply to foreign employees working in Thailand for less than six months.
What Companies Should Do Next
BOI (Board of Investment)-promoted companies are encouraged to review their current employment structures, salary levels, and workforce ratios well in advance of the effective dates. Early preparation will help ensure compliance, avoid processing delays, and support smooth visa and work permit applications once the new rules come into force.
Thailand BOI (Board of Investment) — New Rules for Foreign Staff
Thailand BOI (Board of Investment) tightens foreign employee regulations. Learn the new requirements before expanding in Thailand.
About Remoly
Remoly is a global Employer of Record (EOR) service provider dedicated to helping businesses hire employees compliantly around the world. Our services cover payroll management, tax compliance, contract management, and more — enabling companies to enter new markets quickly without setting up a local entity. Whether you are a startup or a multinational corporation, Remoly offers tailored global employment solutions.
Learn more: remoly.net | remoly.cn
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or compliance advisor for your specific situation. Remoly assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this information.
Thailand BOI (Board of Investment) — New Rules for Foreign Staff
Thailand BOI (Board of Investment) tightens foreign employee regulations. Learn the new requirements before expanding in Thailand.
About Remoly
Remoly is a global Employer of Record (EOR) service provider dedicated to helping businesses hire employees compliantly around the world. Our services cover payroll management, tax compliance, contract management, and more — enabling companies to enter new markets quickly without setting up a local entity. Whether you are a startup or a multinational corporation, Remoly offers tailored global employment solutions.
Learn more: remoly.net | remoly.cn
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or compliance advisor for your specific situation. Remoly assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this information.
Thailand BOI (Board of Investment) — New Rules for Foreign Staff
Thailand BOI (Board of Investment) tightens foreign employee regulations. Learn the new requirements before expanding in Thailand.
About Remoly
Remoly is a global Employer of Record (EOR) service provider dedicated to helping businesses hire employees compliantly around the world. Our services cover payroll management, tax compliance, contract management, and more — enabling companies to enter new markets quickly without setting up a local entity. Whether you are a startup or a multinational corporation, Remoly offers tailored global employment solutions.
Learn more: remoly.net | remoly.cn
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or compliance advisor for your specific situation. Remoly assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this information.
Thailand BOI — New Rules for Foreign Staff
Thailand BOI tightens foreign employee regulations. Learn the new requirements before expanding in Thailand.
About Remoly
Remoly is a global Employer of Record (EOR) service provider dedicated to helping businesses hire employees compliantly around the world. Our services cover payroll management, tax compliance, contract management, and more — enabling companies to enter new markets quickly without setting up a local entity. Whether you are a startup or a multinational corporation, Remoly offers tailored global employment solutions.
Learn more: remoly.net | remoly.cn
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or compliance advisor for your specific situation. Remoly assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this information.
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