Thailand’s Security Market: Riding High on Investment Boom

Thailand’s security market is booming, fueled by a potent mix of government spending and private sector investment. The demand for security solutions is particularly strong in certain high-growth sectors like data centers and mixed-use properties.

Thailand’s appeal to investors remains undiminished. In the first half of 2025, investment promotion applications showed impressive growth, surging 139 percent compared to the same period last year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a major contributor, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the total investment promotion applications value. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is a magnet for FDI, attracting THB 62.9 billion (US$1.94 billion) in the first half of 2025 alone, according to reports.

This influx of capital, coupled with government initiatives to stimulate the economy, is creating a fertile ground for security companies. “Thailand is in a strong position, benefiting from public-sector spending on city surveillance, transportation, and government buildings. The rising FDI in the EEC, the construction of new data centers, and a shift in the market from simply adding more cameras to adopting AI-enabled, platform-based solutions are all contributing to growth,” explains Ekarin Watcharayingyong, MD of Keenfinity Thailand.

Booming verticals

The surge in private investment is creating significant opportunities across various sectors. Here’s a closer look at some of the most dynamic markets driving demand for security solutions:

Data centers

Thailand’s data center industry is experiencing rapid expansion due to increasing demand for digital services, supportive government policies and incentives, and the country’s strategic location within Southeast Asia. This has attracted major global players like Microsoft, who are making substantial investments in Thai data centers. The growth in this sector directly translates to a greater need for security measures, including video surveillance, access control systems, perimeter security (fences, gates, motion detectors), and intercoms. “The demand from the private sector is particularly strong in the data center space. This vertical requires sophisticated security solutions, and many projects are driven by foreign investment,” notes Ken Arimura, MD of OPTEX Thailand.

Mixed-use properties

Mixed-use properties, which combine residential, retail, office, and other functions within a single development, are becoming increasingly popular in Thailand. Factors such as land scarcity, high land costs, and the desire for integrated, convenient lifestyles are fueling this trend. This burgeoning market presents significant opportunities for security providers, as these properties require a comprehensive range of security solutions. “In Bangkok, large-scale mixed-use projects like One Bangkok, Dusit Central Park, Cloud 11, and Bangkok Mall demonstrate the scale of private investment,” Watcharayingyong points out. “One Bangkok, Thailand’s largest mixed-use development, opened in October 2024 with over 5,000 cameras installed, including Bosch solutions, highlighting the massive demand for security in these landmark projects.”

Manufacturing

Manufacturing forms the backbone of the Thai economy, contributing approximately 25 to 27 percent of GDP and employing 16 to 17 percent of the country’s workforce. Key manufacturing sectors include automotive, electronics and electrical appliances, food processing, and petrochemicals, concentrated in major industrial hubs like the EEC, Bangkok Metropolitan Area, and Samut Prakan. The need to protect lives and assets, along with evolving regulations, drives the demand for security in this sector. “A key development in the private sector is the 2025 minimum wage increase, which raised wages in major industrial areas like Rayong and Chonburi to 400 baht/day. This increase has driven up the cost of man-guards for factories, creating a pressing need for more efficient approaches using modern security solutions,” Arimura explains.

Hospitality

Thailand is a leading tourist destination in Asia. In 2024, the country welcomed over 30 million international visitors, and continued growth is projected for this year, supported by government initiatives such as “Visit Thailand Year 2025.” This influx of tourists is expected to drive increased demand for security solutions, including video surveillance, access control, fire safety systems, and perimeter protection. “The hospitality sector is particularly noteworthy,” says Watcharayingyong. “It continues to grow with ongoing investment as Thailand solidifies its position as a tourism hub.”