Part of the Warehouse 101 Series for foreign buyers.
BOI (Board of Investment) promotion can dramatically reduce the cost of operating a warehouse or factory in Thailand. But many foreign companies assume BOI only applies to large manufacturers — in fact, logistics, distribution and certain storage operations also qualify. Here’s what you need to know.
Does a Warehouse Operation Qualify for BOI?
Yes — under specific activity groups. BOI’s promoted activities relevant to warehouse tenants include:
| Activity | BOI Group | Max CIT Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing (any sector) | A1–B2 | 5–8 years |
| Logistics & freight forwarding | B1 | 3 years |
| Cold chain / temperature-controlled storage | B1 | 3 years |
| International distribution centres | A3 | 5 years |
| E-commerce fulfillment (qualifying) | B2 | 3 years |
| R&D and innovation centres | A1 | 8 years |
How Location Multiplies Your BOI Benefits
BOI incentives are tiered by zone — and the EEC is at the top:
- Zone 1 (Bangkok): Base incentives, shorter CIT exemptions
- Zone 2 (Vicinity provinces): Moderate uplift
- Zone 3 / EEC (Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong): Maximum incentives. Additional 3-year CIT bonus for EEC-priority provinces. Our Bangpakong site is in Chachoengsao — EEC Zone 3.
Full List of BOI Tax Incentives (EEC Zone)
- Corporate income tax: exempt up to 8 years, then 50% reduction for 5 years
- Import duty on machinery: 100% exempt
- Import duty on raw materials for export production: 100% exempt
- VAT on domestic purchases for export: refunded
- Double deduction: infrastructure costs, transport, electricity, water
Non-Tax BOI Benefits for Foreign Companies
- 100% foreign ownership permitted (most activities)
- Land ownership/long-term leasehold for production sites
- Enhanced work permit quota for foreign specialists
- BOI Smart Visa — fast-track visa for executives, investors and skilled workers
- One-Stop Service centre for permits and approvals
How to Get BOI Approval — Timeline
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Application preparation | 2–4 weeks |
| BOI review and interview | 30–45 days |
| BOI Certificate issued | 60–90 days from submission |
| Project commencement deadline | As specified in certificate (typically 3 years) |
You can sign a lease and start fitting out while your BOI application is under review — the two processes run in parallel.
Can KT Thai Property Help with BOI?
We regularly work with Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese and European companies going through BOI. We can:
- Provide formal lease letter of intent for your BOI submission
- Connect you with experienced BOI advisors and law firms
- Confirm site eligibility (EEC zone, Ror Ngor 4 status) in writing
📞 081-147-8118 | 📧 info@ktthai.com | Line: @natree