Thailand remains one of the easiest and most comfortable locations in Asia for manufacturing and investment. Banking reform and efforts to privatize more government functions by the current government should lead to more competition and even more supportive treatment of new investment projects

Bangkok, the central metropolitan area and nation's capital, is the center of the majority of industrial growth, however agriculture is clearly the backbone of the country. Up until 1997, Thailand experienced a dramatic period of growth but the advent of the financial crisis that affected most of Asia in mid 1997 brought considerable economic and social disruption to Thailand. Thailand experienced an effective "devaluation" in its currency and out of the subsequent crisis emerged an increasing number of non-performing loans and bankruptcies.

Since 1997, there has been a slow but steady upturn in the Thai economy. The real estate market, which was first and hardest hit in the crash of '97 is showing signs of recovery with new buildings being started and some of those that were abandoned are continuing construction.

Recognizing the need to encourage and promote investments and development, the government liberalized the stringent control on foreign investment, currency controls and added several incentives through the Board of Investment. Although restrictions still apply, the relatively developed bureaucratic structure of the government and operative judiciary creates a excellent environment for foreign investment.

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