Industrial land sales miss target as investors run scared

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has missed its land sales target for fiscal 2025, underscoring the impact of global trade tensions and domestic political uncertainty on investor confidence.

- LAMONPHET APISITNIRAN

The authority expected to sell 12,000 rai of land, but managed only 8,000 rai for the year ending Sept 30.

The shortfall followed months of uncertainty over US trade policy, culminating in Washington's decision on Aug 7 to impose a 19% tariff on Thai imports.

"Investors delayed their plans, which affected land purchase deals. They wanted to wait until the tariff situation between Thailand and the US was settled," said IEAT governor Sumet Thangprasert.

He said investors were weighing operational costs across Southeast Asia, comparing Thailand with Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.