AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 5, 2026 – Full Text

Source: Greenpeace

Parliament is set to vote today on what Greenpeace says is the most reckless demolition of environmental protections in a generation.

The Coalition Government’s Resource Management Act (RMA) replacements – the Natural Environment and Planning Bills – return to Parliament for their second reading after emerging from the Select Committee process environmentally worse than when they were first introduced.

Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop says, “These Bills are an all-out assault on the law that is supposed to protect the rivers we swim in, the water we drink, the forests that hold our hillsides together, the wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique, and the places New Zealanders love.”

“These Bills turn the purpose of our main environmental law on its head. Instead of safeguarding clean water, healthy ecosystems and communities, these proposed laws would protect companies who profit from polluting and exploiting the environment.”

The Government has retained its controversial ‘regulatory relief’ scheme, which could force ratepayers to compensate companies when stronger environmental protections affect profits, potentially costing the public nearly $2 billion.

They have also removed the precautionary principle – a cornerstone of environmental law that recognises action should be taken when there is a credible risk of serious or irreversible environmental harm, even where scientific certainty is incomplete.

“These Bills even flip the polluter pays principle on its head,” says Toop.

“If a council wants to stop erosion from forestry, a wetland from being drained or strengthen safeguards for native wildlife, the New Zealand public may have to compensate the very companies responsible for the damage. It is absolutely perverse”

Toop says the legislation has become even more extreme since it was first introduced.

“The Government is planning to throw environmental limits and the precautionary principle out the door, tear up agreements between iwi and councils, force the public to compensate polluters, and make it easier for companies to kill native wildlife.”

Among the most alarming changes is the decision to scrap existing Mana Whakahono ā Rohe established arrangements between councils and iwi for shared environmental decision-making.

“These Bills roll back Māori participation in environmental decision-making and sideline tangata whenua from decisions about the lands and waters they have cared for for centuries. That is unacceptable. Parliament must reject these Bills,” says Toop.

Toop says the Bills are yet another assault in the Coalition Government’s war on nature and is calling on people to join the March for Nature in Auckland on 19 September.

“From fast-track consenting to proposing to sell off public conservation land, this Government has spent the last three years systematically dismantling the environmental protections New Zealanders fought for over generations,” says Toop.

“Governments can pass laws, but they can’t change what New Zealanders value. On 19 September, we’re calling on people to stand together and march for the forests, oceans, rivers, coastlines and wildlife of Aotearoa.”

Source: Hot Spring Spas New Zealand

Customer research from Hot Spring Spas, just voted New Zealand’s most trusted spa pool and sauna brand by Readers Digest, shows wellness has overtaken entertainment as the reason Kiwis buy a spa, and the power bill is the number one thing that makes them hesitate.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, [August 2026] – New Zealanders are buying spa pools to escape three things: pain, stress and their phones. New customer research from Hot Spring Spas shows 65 percent of buyers purchase primarily to relieve aches and tension, buyers describe the spa as a device-free retreat where the family can connect, and their biggest hesitation is not the price tag but the power bill. Most (63 percent) buyers have never owned a spa before. The research landed in the same winter New Zealanders voted Hot Spring the country’s most trusted spa pool and sauna brand in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards.

Key takeaways

• 65 percent of buyers purchase a spa primarily to relieve aches and tension, the strongest motivation by a wide margin (Hot Spring customer survey, May 2026, 199 respondents)
• The school phone ban has a backyard sequel: buyers describe the spa as a device-free retreat where the family connects, as 49 percent of New Zealand teenagers say social media disrupts their sleep, homework and family time (Horizon Research for Smartphone Free Childhood NZ, 540 teens, October 2025)
• Buyers fear the running cost more than the price: Running cost is the most-named purchase hesitation across 198 open-text answers, ahead of the upfront price (Electricity Authority, Electricity Authority takes closer look at price increases)
• Build quality & durability is what tips the decision for most spa pool buyers but the in-person experience at the showroom has the 3rd largest impact on purchasing decisions
• Recommendations from friends and family accounts for a small percentage of buying decisions
• 63 percent of buyers are first-time spa owners; family households are the largest buyer group at 39 percent

Wellness has overtaken entertainment

In a post-purchase survey of 199 New Zealand spa pool buyers completed in May 2026, almost two thirds said they bought their spa to ease aches and reduce stress. Social and lifestyle motivations trailed well behind. The category stereotype of the spa as backyard entertainment no longer matches who is buying: 63 percent are first-time owners, arriving with no history in the category and a clear idea of what they want from it.

A more anxious country wants somewhere to switch off

Asked to describe what they wanted from a spa in their own words, buyers kept returning to the same themes: relaxation, an outdoor sanctuary, wellness and recovery, family connection and private indulgence. The backdrop is a country under measurable strain. In the latest New Zealand government Health Survey, one in seven adults (14.3 percent, around 619,000 people) reported high or very high psychological distress in the previous four weeks, a level that has risen significantly over the past five years (7.4% in 2019/2020).

“Somewhere we can connect and communicate as a family and enjoy the experience of calmness.” – Brian, Auckland, survey respondent

An investment in the home, used all year round

The other recurring driver is the home itself. Family households are the largest buyer group at 39 percent, motivated by family togetherness and a more enjoyable lifestyle at home, and buyers repeatedly describe the spa as the anchor of an outdoor space the whole household uses, in winter as much as summer. In their open-text answers, buyers frame the purchase less as an appliance and more as an upgrade to the place where they spend most of their time: a private retreat, an outdoor sanctuary and a reason to be in their own backyard every day of the year.

“A quiet relaxing space for the family to enjoy together.” – Jason, Auckland, survey respondent

A space where the phones do not follow

Woven through the family connection theme is a quieter one: unplugging. New Zealand households are having the same argument as the rest of the country. In a survey of 540 New Zealand teenagers aged 13 to 17 conducted in October 2025, 49 percent said social media disrupts their daily activities, including homework, family time and sleep, and 32 percent said they spend five or more hours a day on it. More than one in five (22 percent) met the criteria for problematic social media use, rising to one in four among girls.

The concern is now national policy, and escalating. Phones have been required to be away for the day in New Zealand schools since Term 2, 2024, and the Government is currently drafting legislation to restrict social media to those aged 16 and over, which the Prime Minister has said will be introduced before the general election.

In a household where screens reach every room, the spa is the exception. The survey suggests a key driver is buyers wanting to spend more time together without digital devices and to create a retreat where they can connect. It is where the strands of the research come together: a private retreat (26 percent) and a more enjoyable lifestyle at home (47 percent) both feature among what buyers say they want, alongside family connection, and a spa answers all three in the one household space a phone cannot follow.

“A place to relax, unplug from the internet and enjoy our rural outlook all year round.” – Rob, Whangārei, survey respondent

The power bill is the biggest fear

Asked what made them hesitate before buying, respondents named running cost more than any other concern, ahead of the purchase price itself. The anxiety is well founded this winter: most New Zealand households have faced an average 8 percent power price increase for the second consecutive year, and the Electricity Authority is examining the rises.

“How efficient the spa was and the impact on our power bill.” – Colin, Auckland, on his biggest hesitation before buying

What a spa costs to run depends on its insulation, the local climate, the electricity tariff, the water temperature and how often it is used. That variability is part of the anxiety: buyers want a straight number before they commit.

A word from Hot Spring Spas New Zealand

“Running cost is now the first question in almost every showroom conversation, before jets, before seating, before anything. Our own research confirms it: it is the most-named hesitation before buying a spa pool, ahead of the upfront price. People are buying pain relief, a better sleep and family connection, and they want to know what a spa will cost to run before they commit. The industry owes buyers straight answers on that, which is why we point people to an energy cost calculator so they can estimate running costs for their own climate and power prices before they spend a dollar. I think that kind of straight talk is a big part of why New Zealanders named us their most trusted brand, unprompted, in the first year the category existed.”

Aaron Sampson, General Manager, Hot Spring Spas New Zealand

About Hot Spring Spas New Zealand

Hot Spring Spas is New Zealand’s most trusted spa pool and sauna brand (awarded by Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands in May 2026), selling spa pools, swim spas, cold plunge, modular pools and saunas. Hot Spring spa pools are manufactured by Watkins Wellness, the world’s largest spa manufacturer, which has sold more than 2.4 million spas since 1980. Known for industry-leading energy efficiency, durable build quality and a 20-year spare-parts commitment, Hot Spring spas are supported across New Zealand by a network of independently owned, authorised local dealers who provide expert advice, installation, servicing and ongoing care for the life of the spa. For more information, visit https://hotspring.co.nz

Notes

• Hot Spring customer survey: post-purchase survey of 199 verified New Zealand customers, May 2026, combining multi-select questions with open-text responses coded by theme. Full data tables, including motivations, hesitations and buyer demographics, are available on request.
• The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards are conducted annually by Catalyst Research on behalf of Reader’s Digest. The 2026 New Zealand study surveyed 1,788 adults in a nationally representative sample, with quotas across age, gender and region and data weighted to reflect the country.
• Running costs: spa running costs vary with climate, electricity tariff, water temperature and usage. Hot Spring’s published running cost information, including an energy cost calculator that estimates monthly costs by spa size, local climate and local power rates, is at https://hotspring.co.nz/energy-efficient-spa-pools-energy-costs/

Selected survey data

Hot Spring customer survey, May 2026, 199 verified New Zealand customers. The survey was multi-select.

Household type – Share

Purchase type – Share

What buyers want – Share

What tips the decision – Share

Sources

• Hot Spring Spas customer survey, May 2026: post-purchase survey of 199 verified New Zealand customers.
• Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2026, independently conducted by Catalyst Research: https://www.trustedbrands.co.nz/
• Ministry of Health, Annual Update of Key Results 2024/25: New Zealand Health Survey (psychological distress figures): https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/annual-update-of-key-results-202425-new-zealand-health-survey
• Horizon Research, teen survey commissioned by Smartphone Free Childhood NZ: 540 New Zealanders aged 13-17, fieldwork 21-28 October 2025, maximum margin of error ±4.2%: https://research.horizonpoll.co.nz/page/727/teen-survey
• Public Health Communication Centre briefing, Problematic social media use common among NZ teens as government examines age limits, led by Dr Samantha Marsh, University of Auckland, 20 November 2025: https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/problematic-social-media-use-common-among-nz-teens-government-examines-age-limits
• Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill and subsequent government drafting: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2025/0216/latest/whole.html
• Ministry of Education, Using phones at school (phones away for the day policy): https://www.education.govt.nz/parents-and-caregivers/schools-year-0-13/digital-technology/using-phones-school
• RNZ, Most households see an average 8 percent increase in power prices this winter, 29 June 2026: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/640243/most-households-see-an-average-8-percent-increase-in-power-prices-this-winter
• Electricity Authority, Electricity Authority takes closer look at price increases: https://www.ea.govt.nz/news/press-release/electricity-authority-takes-closer-look-at-price-increases/
• Hot Spring Spas, running cost information and energy cost calculator: https://hotspring.co.nz/energy-efficient-spa-pools-energy-costs/

Source: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission

Last updated: 08 July 2026

Rights & Realities: Remembering 1986 draws on first-hand accounts of the 1985-86 campaign that changed New Zealand law.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission today announced the launch of Rights & Realities: Remembering 1986, a new podcast marking the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Act, the law that decriminalised consensual sex between men in New Zealand.

The Act passed its third reading in Parliament on 9 July 1986, following a 16-month nationwide debate that divided the country. It came into force on 8 August, finally ending the threat of prosecution and imprisonment that gay men had lived under.

The Act, introduced as a member’s bill by then-Wellington Central MP Fran Wilde in March 1985, was a major step forward for human rights and justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Act 40 years ago today represented far more than the passing of a piece of legislation – for gay men who lived during that era, the act represented a watershed,” said Dr Stephen Rainbow, Chief Commissioner, Human Rights Commission.

“As New Zealand’s first openly gay Chief Human Rights Commissioner, this anniversary carries particular significance for me,” said Dr Rainbow. “The 40th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a democracy that enables minority voices to be heard, protected and promoted.”

Disability Rights Commissioner and Rainbow rights spokesperson, Prudence Walker adds: “This anniversary is a chance to celebrate social progress in Aotearoa New Zealand, while also acknowledging that some Rainbow people don’t yet enjoy the freedoms that generation fought to achieve.”

Rights & Realities: Remembering 1986 is a limited series of five episodes featuring interviews with political and social campaigners, archival audio, and reflection on the impact of the law change for gay men in New Zealand.

For the Human Rights Commission, it’s a chance to reflect on its role in history – including deciding not to recommend to Parliament in 1979 that the Human Rights Act be amended to add ‘sexual orientation’ to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.

“Although the Commission supported decriminalising sex between men and strengthening anti-discrimination in the Human Rights Act later in 1985, we wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge we did not provide the leadership expected of us to Rainbow communities at that time,” says Walker.

In the podcast leaders from Rainbow communities guide us through the changing story of sexuality and gender in New Zealand, revisit the moments that shaped the landmark Bill, and honour the courage of those who fought on the frontlines for equality.

Episodes feature:

• Takatāpui scholar and artist Professor Elizabeth Kerekere, and professor of gender studies, Professor Chris Brickell.
• Frontline activists Linda Evans and Gavin Young.
• Fran Wilde, former Labour MP who introduced the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, and Dr Stephen Rainbow, Chief Commissioner, Human Rights Commission.
• Niuean fakafifine and rights activist Phylesha Brown-Acton, and wahine takatāpui, former MP, and marriage equality changemaker, Louisa Wall.
• Disability Rights Commissioner and Commission Rainbow rights spokesperson, Prudence Walker, and legal scholar and advocate Vinod Bal.

Listen to all five episodes now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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Source: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission

Last updated: 29 July 2026

Commission opposes review that seeks to repeal or dilute Treaty references in legislation.

“At its heart, this issue is simple. The Government says it wants clarity, but many Māori, legal experts, the Waitangi Tribunal, the Human Rights Commission, and international bodies say the review risks doing the opposite: weakening protections, reducing accountability, and increasing conflict.”

Human Rights Commission’s Indigenous Governance Partner Rongomau Taketake, Dayle Takitimu.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has today released an advance submission and information guide on the proposals announced by the government to repeal or dilute Treaty references in legislation.

The Commission concludes that the proposed reforms are constitutionally regressive, inconsistent with established Treaty jurisprudence, incompatible with domestic and international human rights standards, and likely to deepen legal uncertainty, litigation risk and racial division rather than reduce them.

The Commission’s Rongomau Taketake, Dayle Takitimu stated:

“At its heart, this issue is simple. The Government says it wants clarity, but many Māori, legal experts, the Waitangi Tribunal, the Human Rights Commission, and international bodies say the review risks doing the opposite: weakening protections, reducing accountability, and increasing conflict.”

“Achieving clarity – if that is the aim of the exercise – doesn’t require watering down obligations to the bare minimum. Certainty and clarity are better achieved by following agreed human rights standards which support honouring treaties and respecting Indigenous peoples’ human rights.”

The submission reiterates the position taken by the Commission on the Treaty Principles Bill, noting that the same pattern of unilateral Crown action, flawed human-rights reasoning, and distortion of Te Tiriti underpins the current legislative review.

“Te Tiriti is not a side issue or a drafting inconvenience; it is part of the constitutional and human rights foundation of Aotearoa,” says Takitimu.

The paper recommends that the current proposals be abandoned, and that any replacement be developed with the meaningful involvement of Tiriti partners. The recommendations echo those made previously by the Waitangi Tribunal and the UN Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The Commission’s paper raises human rights concerns regarding both the substance of the proposals and the process through which decisions have been made, namely that the proposals were developed without due consideration of the views of those most affected, and the domestic and international accountability mechanisms that exist to safeguard rights and serve as checks on the exercise of public power.

These include the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, whose December report on New Zealand’s compliance with anti-discrimination obligations, expressed concern about the review. The Committee urged the Government to ensure that relevant legislative reviews were undertaken “in full and effective consultation and partnership with Māori” and “in accordance with the [human rights] principle of free, prior and informed consent”.

To learn more, download the Commission’s explainer and full draft submission:

• Explainer PDF
• Submission PDF
• Submission Word document

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Over 200 industry leaders, trendsetters and cultural figures gather at The Orbit to celebrate the much-anticipated launch event

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2026 – De Beers Group unveiled the Desert diamonds campaign for Asia at West Bund Orbit in Shanghai. The immersive experience brought to life the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance embodied by Desert diamonds. Generating significant buzz across Shanghai, the event attracted distinguished guests, including government officials and ambassadors, retailers and industry partners, media and cultural influencers, artists and designers.

Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, the West Bund Orbit’s fluid, ribbon‑like form resonates with Desert diamonds’ narrative of individuality, naturalness and fluidity, offering a visually perfect setting for the launch. The highlight of the evening was a sacred gong‑striking ceremony, symbolising the opening of a new era for Desert diamonds. Officiating at the gong-striking ceremony were Lynn Serfaty, General Manager, Natural Diamonds, De Beers Group; Annie Wong, Chief Operating Officer of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group; Winston Chow, Deputy General Manager of Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Group and Tommy Tse, Deputy CEO at Tse Sui Luen Jewellery Group. The ring the bell ceremony is accompanied by Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamond Marketing, APAC, De Beers Group and Sean Lin, VP, Sales, De Beers Group.

Government and diplomatic leaders joined the celebration to offer their congratulations. Taking the stage for a group photo were Mr. Sohail Shaikh, UK Deputy Trade Commissioner to China, UK Government / FCDO; Mr. Tom Simpson, MD, China, China-Britain Business Council; Ms. Phuti Joyce Tsipa, South African Consul-General in Shanghai; Ms. Bertha Amakali, Minister Counsellor of Namibia to China; Mr. Lin Qiang, President of Shanghai Diamond Exchange Center; Ms. Xu Yilei, Managing Director of the Natural Diamond Council Greater China; Ms. Meng Xiaojun, Chief Economist of NGTC; Shridaran Pillay, VP Government Affairs, De Beers Group, underscoring the event’s cross‑cultural significance.

“Desert diamonds captures the untamed beauty and power of the desert,” said Lynn Serfaty, “In China, natural diamonds are not imports—their origins are deeply rooted in ancient civilisation. The desert itself resonates with the Chinese cultural appreciation for transcendence, resilience, and the harmony between heaven and humanity.”

“Today’s consumers seek individual expression, true self, and self‑reward,” she continued, “Each Desert diamond is a response to this desire. Every Desert diamond presents a uniquely warm, natural colour and carries the imprint of billions of years. It is this cultural resonance that is driving the growing interest and appreciation of Desert diamonds in the Chinese market, representing the values most precious in our time: authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance.”

Departing from traditional jewellery launch formats, De Beers Group invited four “Real People” who embody the spirit of authenticity through their real‑life journeys to reveal the essence of Desert diamonds. The event opened with Desert diamonds “Real People” and sound healer Lear Tsui’s ethereal “Healing Trace” gong performance, guiding guests into a serene state of inner exploration. In the performance segment “Colour of Origin” that followed – Guo Yu’ang, a young Peking opera artist of the Mei School, honoured tradition with a graceful and elegant aria, conveying the beauty of heritage. The only female “Real People”, Shi Wei, China’s first F1 Academy female driver, made a stunning appearance wearing Desert diamonds jewellery at the “Blade of Resilience” segment. She shared with conviction: “True strength is often not outwardly expressed but built through intense focus. Just like the formation of natural diamonds—seemingly silent, yet enduring pressure over eons to achieve transformation.” Taking the stage at the finale “Ray of Refraction”, stand‑up comedian Liu Yang ignited the room with a series of humorous and heartfelt performances, and amidst the laughter, he led everyone into the moment of the very first reveal of Desert diamonds jewellery. Liu Yang shared: “True brilliance is not about being flawless, but about embracing every aspect of yourself, just as Desert diamonds reflects a unique individuality through the natural beauty of diamonds.”

At the heart of the celebration was a curated jewellery art exhibition, presenting Desert diamonds jewellery masterpieces by Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and Tse Sui Luen, alongside De Beers Group’s iconic three‑stone collection and loose Desert diamonds. De Beers Group creatively partnered with bamboo weaving artist Xu Mingyu, who used the intangible cultural heritage of bamboo weaving to create immersive art installations throughout the venue. The Desert diamonds jewellery was placed amidst an intricate interplay of bamboo rhythms, sparking a poetic dialogue between contemporary jewellery design and millennia‑old craftsmanship. This distinctive Eastern aesthetic not only offered a fresh visual delight, but also interpreted the beauty of individuality, the authenticity of craftsmanship, and the radiance of time‑honoured tradition embodied by Desert diamonds from a local perspective, further underscoring De Beers Group’s Building Forever sustainability commitment.

To bring the experience to a memorable close, guests continued the journey through sensory party, where sound, scent and imagery combined to evoke the beauty at the heart of Desert diamonds. Interactive zones included a sand art experience allowing guests to co‑create with their fingertips, feeling the flow and eternity of the desert, a Gong Sound healing session using resonant frequencies to guide guests into a state of calm and introspection, and a Scents of the Desert fragrance experience blending warm amber and deep woody notes to outline the raw, pure beauty of the desert earth. Each experience acted as a different facet of a Desert diamond, collectively reflecting the themes of authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance.

To delve deeper into the spirit of the theme, De Beers Group hosted a series of panel talks, offering different perspectives on the evolving role of natural diamonds in modern life. Consumers were invited to participate in Natural Diamond Masterclasses, where they learned about the rarity, uniqueness and enduring value of natural diamonds, and gained further understanding of how to distinguish natural diamonds from laboratory‑grown diamonds. In addition, enamel painting workshops allowed guests to explore the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Desert diamonds opens a new chapter in the celebration of natural diamonds, honouring their deep‑earth origin, inherent rarity, and cross‑cultural significance as symbols of individuality, natural beauty and self‑reward. Today, consumers increasingly look for pieces that reflect not only who they are, but how they choose to live, celebrate and express themselves. Desert diamonds answers that desire with a natural diamond expression shaped by individuality, authenticity and inner radiance. Looking ahead, De Beers Group will continue to celebrate the enduring wonder of natural diamonds and inspire a new generation to discover their relevance in today’s world. Desert diamonds breathe new life into “A Diamond is Forever”—because natural diamonds belong not only to eternity, but also to the here and now.

Please follow the official accounts to find more information regarding Desert diamonds.

Hashtag: #Naturaldiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #Desertdiamonds #ADiamondisForever

About De Beers Group

This evolution is reflected in long-standing investment relationships with many of the world’s most iconic corporations. Global titans like Toyota, Minebea, Delta Electronics, Cargill, Western Digital, Seagate, Microchip and ADI—along with countless other global industry leaders—have not just invested in Thailand; they have thrived, expanded, and innovated within an ecosystem shaped by consistent policy direction and strong government support. Their continued presence underscores Thailand’s macroeconomic stability, strategic location, and the BOI’s role as a reliable institutional anchor for foreign investment.

As it marks its 60th anniversary, the BOI is drawing on this accumulated experience to frame Thailand’s next phase of economic transformation. Guided by the theme – “Shaping Thailand’s Future Through Strategic Investment” – the emphasis has shifted towards positioning Thailand as a high-value production base, driven by innovation, sustainability, and future industries that align with long-term structural trends. The strategy places particular weight on regional integration and cross-border partnerships, reflecting Thailand’s ambition to remain relevant in a fragmenting global economy.

A Resounding Vote of Global Confidence: Thailand’s Unprecedented 2025 Performance
Investor response in 2025 suggests that this recalibration is gaining traction. Record investment figures serve as an early signal of confidence, reflecting both Thailand’s revised policy direction and the institutional credibility built over six decades.

In 2025, total investment applications reached USD 60.23 billion (1.87 trillion baht) across 3,370 projects, a 67% increase in value and an 11% rise in project count, both year-on-year — underscoring the BOI’s focus on technology-driven investment and Thailand’s growing role as a regional hub. This momentum carried into 2026: investment applications in the first half of the year (January–June) alone reached USD 47.47 billion (1.47 trillion baht) across 1,299 projects, up 37% year-on-year, while FDI applications climbed 80% to USD 44.08 billion (1.37 trillion baht) even amid global economic headwinds. Projects approved during the period are expected to generate more than 82,000 jobs, drive over USD 12.46 billion (386,900 million baht) a year in local raw material sourcing, and contribute more than USD 39.94 billion (THB 1.24 trillion baht) a year in export value.

Sectoral trends, especially in high-technology industries and AI, underline this rapid shift. The Digital sector, the Electronics & Electrical Appliances sector, and the AI supply chain are all seeing momentum in advanced manufacturing, including photonics devices, PCB, and semiconductor-related activities. In automotive production, Thailand is consolidating its regional leadership through higher-value components and the build-out of a full EV ecosystem. The Agriculture & Food Processing sector continues to move up the value chain, while petrochemicals and chemicals are increasingly oriented towards specialty products and circular-economy applications. Together, these developments suggest a gradual repositioning of Thailand within global production networks.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, reflected on this monumental achievement: “For six decades, the BOI has been instrumental in charting Thailand’s economic course, from foundational industrialization to pioneering a technology-driven, sustainable future. Our role transcends merely attracting capital; it is about strategically shaping our economic landscape to respond to a rapidly changing world. The investment figures of 2025 and the first half of 2026 are a clear endorsement of this long-term vision, confirming global trust in our strategic direction and our resolute commitment to forging a stable, innovative, and green economy for generations to come.”

The BOI’s Vision for Building the Foundation for the Next Decade
Building on its previous success, the BOI’s strategy aims to anchor Thailand more firmly within ASEAN’s investment geography. Over the next decade, the agency seeks to position Thailand as a center for business across ASEAN, navigating geopolitical uncertainties and fostering deeper collaboration across critical global supply chains.

Key pillars of this ambitious vision include:

• Leading Strategic Industries: The BOI aims to solidify Thailand’s global leadership by focusing on six strategic sectors. These include Bio&Green Industries, which encompass the bio-economy, modern agriculture, future foods, and clean energy, leveraging Thailand’s strengths and resources for added value and sustainable growth. Also prioritized are Modern Automotive, focusing on all types of Electric Vehicles and their parts, building upon Thailand’s robust foundation; Semiconductors and Advanced Electronics, critical for strengthening supply chains; Artificial Intelligence and Digital, serving as fundamental infrastructure; International Business Hubs, fostering high-value jobs and knowledge transfer; and Automation and Robotics, which have gained tremendous investment momentum in Thailand.
• Skill Bridge, a future-ready workforce: Addressing skills development has become a policy priority. The BOI is expanding initiatives to develop talent in data technologies, artificial intelligence, and electronics and semiconductors, among others, reflecting rising workforce demand to support the growth of capital-intensive and technology-led industries.
• Fostering Global Investor Alliances: Beyond individual projects, the BOI is seeking to create a collaborative ecosystem. This involves connecting global investors with local SMEs, governmental agencies, and cutting-edge research institutions to drive shared growth, foster innovation, and integrate Thailand’s vibrant domestic businesses into global value chains.
• Thailand FastPass: To accelerate investment decisions and reduce investment friction, the BOI, under the Government’s initiative, has introduced Thailand FastPass — a dedicated service channel for investors in targeted industries and large-scale, high-impact projects. This streamlines processes, cuts approval timelines, and assigns a dedicated liaison officer to coordinate permitting, licensing, and regulatory processes across government agencies on the investor’s behalf. Thailand FastPass reflects the BOI’s commitment to matching the pace of global capital flows and ensuring Thailand remains a competitive, responsive destination for investors who require speed and certainty.

Powering Thailand on the Global Stage: A Hub of Collaboration and Opportunity
Mr. Narit emphasized Thailand’s strategic goal: to position the nation as an attractive investment destination and a “safe haven” amidst global geopolitical shifts. He highlighted Thailand’s inherent geopolitical neutrality, making it an ideal manufacturing base for exports to major global markets. This strategic advantage, combined with proactive cooperation on digital rules, cybersecurity, and the green economy, supports inclusive and sustainable ASEAN growth.

With the upcoming 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in October, Thailand is poised to further solidify its global leadership, showcasing its economic openness and commitment to sustainable advancement.

Invest in Thailand: Your Strategic Advantage in the Heart of Asia
The message from the Thai Government is clear: Thailand is open for business and committed to your success. In a complex global landscape, Thailand offers unparalleled stability, strategic market access, and unwavering policy support.

The BOI has evolved beyond merely offering incentives, transforming into a dedicated strategic partner for a seamless and profitable investment journey. Its role encompasses promoting high-value investments through competitive incentives, integrating businesses seamlessly across government, private sector, and civil society, connecting them to robust global partners and supply chains, and facilitating smooth market entry and sustainable operations with comprehensive, end-to-end services.

As global leaders converge in Thailand, the spotlight is firmly on the country’s immense potential. Partner with us to tap into the future of the digital economy, advance sustainable manufacturing, and lead innovation from Asia’s premier investment hub.

Discover how your business can thrive in Thailand. Contact the Board of Investment today and let us help you build your future.

Voices of Conviction – Investors Endorse Thailand’s Vision
The momentum isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the deep conviction of the investors powering this growth.

“The business community consistently sees the BOI’s role as an accessible and open platform, crucial for strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness. Its focus on skilled labor development, R&D promotion, and regulatory facilitation actively delivers clear pathways for investment, aligning industry with national development priorities. By supporting initiatives such as renewable energy and green manufacturing, it affirms the BOI’s unwavering efforts to ensure Thailand remains a premier regional investment hub for all investors, present and future.” — Heidi Gallant, Executive Director, AMCHAM Thailand

“For Japanese companies, the BOI stands as an invaluable partner and crucial bridge, adeptly connecting government policies with our evolving needs and tirelessly working to enhance Thailand’s investment landscape. Their proactive leadership in Green and Digital Transformation is vital for strengthening global supply chains and fostering new business opportunities, firmly cementing Thailand’s position as a premier export and innovation hub. We are deeply committed to deepening this essential collaboration.” — ABE Ichiro, President of JETRO Bangkok

“The BOI is more than a facilitator; it is the strategic partner bridging government policies with investor needs, fundamentally driving our continuous growth. Truly, without BOI, we would not have been able to make such stable investments. Their vision, aligning with our pivot into ‘Industries of the Future’ like AI servers and humanoid robots, is complemented by a robust ESG framework. This has cemented Thailand as our core regional production base, and we are committed to deepening this essential partnership for the next 60 years and beyond.” — Yoshihisa Kainuma, Representative Director, Chairman and CEO, MinebeaMitsumi Inc.

“BOI’s longstanding support has enabled Nestlé Thailand’s continuous business growth. We commend BOI’s leadership in championing ESG-driven investments, an approach closely aligned with Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value philosophy, which focuses on building a sustainable business while contributing positively to Thai people, society, and the environment. Nestlé remains deeply committed to Thailand and will continue investing, as well as creating value for Thai consumers, farmers, and local businesses across our value chain.” — Victor Seah, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina

A Foundation of Foresight – Six Decades of Strategic Evolution
Thailand’s historic investment achievements are not a matter of chance; they are the direct result of a deliberate, forward-looking government strategy continuously honed over 60 years. Established in 1966 under the Industrial Promotion Act, the BOI has consistently demonstrated its capacity for proactive adaptation and strategic leadership, evolving through distinct policy shifts:

Thailand’s investment trajectory reflects deliberate policy choices rather than coincidence. Since its establishment under the Industrial Promotion Act in 1966, the BOI has adapted its approach in line with shifting economic conditions:

• 1966–1975: Import substitution.
• 1976–1985: Export-oriented growth and integration into global markets.
• 1986–1995: Accelerated growth and Thailand’s regional development.
• 1996–2005: Post-crisis recovery and international trade liberalization.
• 2006–2015: Higher-value investment and technology development.
• 2016–present: Strategic Industries and the Green-Digital Transformation.

Current measures—including green-transformation incentives, the Long-Term Resident visa, investment retention and relocation programmes—extend this policy lineage, underpinning Thailand’s push towards a more sustainable and technology-driven economy.

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

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