Is Thailand a Good Country for Investment in 2025
Is Thailand a Good Country for Investment in 2025?
Yes, Thailand remains one of the most attractive countries in Southeast Asia for investments in real estate, tourism, and services. The economy is growing thanks to international tourism, large-scale infrastructure development programs, and a consistently appreciating property market that generates rental income. For foreign investors, the key hotspots continue to be Pattaya, Phuket, and Bangkok.
Economic Base: Tourism as the Engine
Thailand welcomes tens of millions of tourists every year. In 2024, the country was visited by more than 28 million people (Tourism Authority of Thailand, December 2024). In 2025, the government aims to exceed 35 million arrivals, nearly returning to the record levels of 2019.
What does this mean for investors?
Tourism creates steady demand for housing, hotels, rentals, and commercial spaces. Resort destinations benefit the most: Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Krabi. Everything is in demand here — from studios to premium-class villas.
What does this mean for investors?
Tourism creates steady demand for housing, hotels, rentals, and commercial spaces. Resort destinations benefit the most: Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Krabi. Everything is in demand here — from studios to premium-class villas.
Eastern Seaboard and the EEC
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is a government program to develop the Eastern Seaboard, including Pattaya and Chonburi Province. The EEC involves the construction of new highways, logistics hubs, deep-sea ports, and a high-speed rail link to Bangkok.
For real estate, this signals growth: land prices are rising, demand for housing is increasing, and developers are launching new business- and premium-class projects. That is why Pattaya and its suburbs (Na Jomtien, Bang Saray) are increasingly attracting investors’ attention.
For real estate, this signals growth: land prices are rising, demand for housing is increasing, and developers are launching new business- and premium-class projects. That is why Pattaya and its suburbs (Na Jomtien, Bang Saray) are increasingly attracting investors’ attention.
Phuket: An Island with Limited Supply
In Phuket, housing demand consistently exceeds supply. The reason is simple: much of the island is covered by mountains, reserves, and parks where construction is restricted. Additionally, in beach areas like Layan or Bang Tao, new projects are rare, and launch prices are always 20–30% below the market.
Over the past 10 years, property prices in Phuket have nearly doubled. For example:
Over the past 10 years, property prices in Phuket have nearly doubled. For example:
- Condos near Bang Tao that cost 3–4 million THB in 2014 are now selling for 7–8 million.
- Villas once priced at 20 million THB now reach 35–40 million.
Bangkok: The Business Hub
The capital’s property market differs from resorts. Here, real estate is more often purchased for long-term rentals by locals and expats. Average rental yields in Bangkok are 4–6% annually, but capital appreciation is higher: neighborhoods near the metro and new Skytrain lines are growing fastest.
Infrastructure projects — such as the new high-speed rail from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center — make Bangkok even more attractive for investors.
Infrastructure projects — such as the new high-speed rail from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center — make Bangkok even more attractive for investors.
What Investors Choose
- Condominiums. The simplest option. Full foreign freehold ownership is possible for up to 49% of the building’s total area.
- Villas. A more expensive but prestigious format. Purchased via leasehold, but offer 6–10% rental yields plus capital growth.
- Condo-hotels (apart-hotels). A new trend: buying a unit in a managed complex where income is split between owners and the operator.
- Commercial real estate. Restaurants, shops, and coworking spaces in tourist zones are in demand but require more management.
Yields and Examples
- A studio in Pattaya for 3 million THB (≈7.8M RUB) rents for 15–20K THB/month = 6–7% annual yield.
- A condo in Phuket Bang Tao for 8M RUB rents for 50–60K THB/month = 7–8% yield + price growth.
- A villa in Layan for 30M RUB rents for 180–200K THB/month = ≈8% yield + 30–40% price growth in 5 years.
Risks and Restrictions
As in any country, Thailand has nuances:
However, smart location choices and working with reliable developers minimize risks.
- Foreigners cannot own land directly, only leasehold.
- Rental income tax (15%) must be considered.
- Currency fluctuations affect returns in RUB or USD.
- Extremely cheap properties are often illiquid.
However, smart location choices and working with reliable developers minimize risks.
FAQs
Can I buy property remotely?
Yes. Transactions can be completed online via power of attorney, a lawyer, and electronic signatures.
What is the minimum budget required?
On average 6–8% annually, with premium villas and condo-hotels reaching up to 10%.
Will property prices drop?
No. Historically, prices in Thailand keep rising: in Phuket they doubled in 10 years, in Pattaya by 50–70%
.
Which cities are interesting besides Phuket and Pattaya?
Yes. Transactions can be completed online via power of attorney, a lawyer, and electronic signatures.
What is the minimum budget required?
- Pattaya resale condos start from 2.8M RUB.
- New projects in Phuket start from 5M RUB.
- Villas are available from around 10M RUB.
On average 6–8% annually, with premium villas and condo-hotels reaching up to 10%.
Will property prices drop?
No. Historically, prices in Thailand keep rising: in Phuket they doubled in 10 years, in Pattaya by 50–70%
.
Which cities are interesting besides Phuket and Pattaya?
- Bangkok — for long-term tenants and business professionals.
- Chiang Mai — for expats and digital nomads.
- Hua Hin — for retirees and a peaceful lifestyle.
Conclusion
Thailand is a country where real estate investments bring double benefits: stable rental income and capital appreciation. Pattaya and Phuket remain the top destinations, Bangkok is attractive for business, and the government’s EEC program boosts the potential of the Eastern Seaboard.
While foreigners face restrictions on direct land ownership, condominiums, condo-hotels, and villas via leasehold make the market both accessible and profitable.
While foreigners face restrictions on direct land ownership, condominiums, condo-hotels, and villas via leasehold make the market both accessible and profitable.