Bangkok Today
Cabinet Approves New Investment Powers for NIA to Co-invest in Innovation Businesses New investment mandate helps bridge financing gaps, attract international capital, and propel Thai innovation and deep tech onto the global stage
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The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA), announced a landmark development for Thailand’s startup and innovation ecosystem following the enactment of the Royal Decree Establishing the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (No. 3), B.E. 2569 (2026), as published in the Royal Gazette.
Key facts
- 2569 (2026), as published in the Royal Gazette
- 2569 (2026) in the Royal Gazette on 29 June 2026, with the law taking effect the following day, the new legislation represents a significant turning point for Thailand’s innovation ecosystem
- The new Royal Decree significantly expands NIA’s mandate by equipping the agency with a wider range of instruments to promote and support innovation-driven businesses, under the criteria and conditions prescribed by the Cabinet
- Most notably, NIA is now authorized to make equity investments, hold shares, and participate in investment trust funds for venture capital activities
- This marks a strategic shift in NIA’s role—from a traditional “grant provider”
- The new mechanism is expected to accelerate the commercialization of research and innovation output, strengthen the competitiveness of Thai startups and SMEs, encourage greater participation from venture capital (VC) and corporate venture
Summary
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA), announced a landmark development for Thailand’s startup and innovation ecosystem following the enactment of the Royal Decree Establishing the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (No. 3), B.E. 2569 (2026), as published in the Royal Gazette.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated that following the publication of the Royal Decree Establishing the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (No. 3), B.E. 2569 (2026) in the Royal Gazette on 29 June 2026, with the law taking effect the following day, the new legislation represents a significant turning point for Thailand’s innovation ecosystem.