Thailand plans to extend its leasehold term from 30 years to 99 years to attract global investors and professionals. The move is expected to stimulate economic activity and make the country more appealing for long-term investment and residency.
The proposed bill is undergoing public consultation and is expected to reach Parliament for approval soon. Officials aim to pass and enforce the legislation by 2025. The Interior Ministry, now under the Pheu Thai Party after a recent Cabinet reshuffle, is pushing the bill forward with support from the Finance Ministry.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri confirmed that the legislative process is moving quickly. A timeline has already been mapped out. It includes a 14-day submission period to the House Speaker, 1–3 days for the first reading, 30–60 days for committee scrutiny, and another two days for the second and third readings. The Senate may review the bill for up to 60 days, followed by royal approval and official publication within 50 days.
The proposed leasehold expansion has received strong backing from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He described it as a critical step toward creating a new economic framework for Thailand amid global financial uncertainty and fiscal limitations.
Projects likely to benefit include solar farms, reclaimed land for flood mitigation, and green infrastructure. One plan covers 140,000 rai of land designated to generate 40,000 megawatts of solar energy, which could lower electricity costs and strengthen Thailand’s appeal for data centers and digital businesses.
Authorities emphasized that all leased assets will return to the state at the end of the 99-year period. The revised law will also address loopholes in current nominee arrangements and align leasehold practices with existing regulations under the EEC Act, BOI schemes, and the Industrial Estate Authority Act.
The changes aim to secure three main benefits: increased capital from long-term leases, better legal clarity by replacing risky ownership structures, and stronger appeal to global professionals in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, tech, and renewable energy.
With the new leasehold model, the government expects more investment in real estate, tourism, and large-scale infrastructure. Strategic projects like the Land Bridge corridor and entertainment zones are likely to gain traction.
