Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, has joined with the Board of Investment (BOI) to reinforce investment and tax incentives aimed at accelerating the transition of Thai manufacturers toward Industry 4.0. The collaboration reflects a shared effort to strengthen industrial competitiveness through technology adoption, automation, digitalization, and innovation-led investment.
At the seminar, “Investment Incentives for Production Improvement toward Industry 4.0,” held at Thailand Science Park in Pathum Thani on 10 July 2026, the two agencies highlighted the role of government support in helping manufacturers modernize operations and improve long-term competitiveness.
Dr. Panita Pongpaibool, Deputy Executive Director of NECTEC, NSTDA, emphasized that Thai industry is facing rising cost pressures, intensifying global competition, and economic uncertainty, making industrial transformation increasingly urgent. Over the past three years, NSTDA has supported this transition through the Thailand i4.0 Index, with more than 2,200 companies expressing interest in assessment and over 500 companies receiving expert guidance on upgrading toward Industry 4.0. The collaboration has contributed to actual investment plans worth more than THB 3 billion.
BOI Secretary General, Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, highlighted continued private-sector interest in the BOI’s Smart and Sustainable Industry measure. From 2021 to May 2026, the program attracted 2,062 applications with a combined investment value of THB 206.054 billion. In addition, on 18 June 2026, a subcommittee under the Competitiveness Enhancement Fund approved support for 17 projects worth THB 1.033 billion to help Thai companies adopt smart factory systems, AI, and data analytics.
The Smart and Sustainable Industry measure offers corporate income tax exemptions based on investment spending and is open to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises. The initiative is expected to reduce costs, improve productivity, upgrade Thai manufacturing standards, and strengthen long-term competitiveness in global supply chains.
The seminar also featured a business case from Thanakorn Vegetable Oil Products Co., Ltd., producer of Cook vegetable oil, highlighting the importance of workforce development, readiness assessment, and strategic investment planning in achieving successful Industry 4.0 transformation.