They made it big in Thailand, and they say others can too. Four foreigners who built billion-dollar business empires in the Kingdom are telling entrepreneurs that Thailand is still the place to invest for success, thanks to its abundant opportunities and supportive ecosystem.

William Heinecke of the United States, Harald Link of Switzerland, Aloke Lohia of India, and Yeap Swee Chuan of Malaysia run companies that have been doing business in Thailand for a combined 250-plus years. They volunteered to speak in support of the Kingdom as part of a marketing campaign - “Ignite Thailand: Invest in Endless Opportunity.”

"There are many opportunities in Thailand,” said Heinecke, the son of a Voice of America journalist and now a Thai citizen. “Thailand is perfectly positioned to take full advantage, and the Royal Thai Government is very supportive of foreign investment.”

Billionaire Heinecke founded Minor Group in Bangkok as a teenager. He started with an office cleaning service, moved on to advertising, and rose to prominence by introducing American fast food to the Kingdom. Today, Minor Group owns or operates 640 hotels in 80 countries, has divisions in retail and restaurants, and employs over 80,000 workers.

“What sets the country apart is accessibility, infrastructure, rule of law - all of which give comfort not only to our company, but to any investor coming here,” Heinecke said.

Lohia, who is also a billionaire, heads Indorama Ventures, one of the top 30 chemical companies in the world and among the largest producers and recyclers of PET plastics.

"Here we have all the comforts of the East and all the advancement and infrastructure of the West," said Lohia. Among Thailand’s advantages, he cited excellent infrastructure - including roads and ports - efficient capital markets, a skilled workforce, and a lifestyle that helps attract and retain the expatriates on his team.

Swiss-born and German-raised Link heads B.Grimm, one of the Kingdom’s largest conglomerates and independent power producers. It is also one of Thailand’s oldest companies, founded by one of his ancestors as a pharmacy in Bangkok in 1878.

Despite world wars, natural disasters, economic crises, and political upheavals,“the country has not only maintained stability but has also continued to attract investment, drive economic growth, and expand its industrial base,” Link said. “These experiences give us confidence that Thailand, with its resilience and adaptability, will once again rise above today’s uncertainties and continue to prosper.”

He credited government policies and Board of Investment privileges for facilitating his companies’ success. “Thailand's ambitious national targets for renewable energy adoption open vast opportunities for clean energy investments,” he added.

Malaysian-born auto parts tycoon Yeap Swee Chuan said that Thailand’s investment policies have remained consistent, supportive, and friendly despite changes in government.

He founded AAPICO Hitech PCL in the Kingdom in 1996, profiting greatly from Thailand’s role as a vehicle manufacturing hub - a position that earned it the nickname “the Detroit
of Asia.”

“Thai cars are exported to over 100 countries, a further testimony of their high global quality,” Yeap said.

As they continue to advance on the road to business success, all four tycoons are optimistic about their companies’ futures and are encouraging others to follow. Their message is clear: believe in Thailand and shoot for success in the Kingdom. More often than not, you will be rewarded.