Microsoft plans to invest more than US$ 1 billion from 2026 to 2028 in cloud and AI infrastructure in Thailand, and upskill 150,000 workers, the firm says in a press release recently. Following a meeting between Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the firm announced several investments as part of its Advancing National Growth, Prosperity, and Global Competitiveness with AI initiative which aims to support inclusive access to cloud and AI technology, skill Thai citizens, and accelerate AI diffusion in Thailand.
AI diffusion refers to the rate of AI adoption among the workforce of a country. There is currently a huge gap between developed and developing nations when it comes to AI adoption.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, “Our ambition is for Thailand to grow as a regional driving force in Asia’s digital and AI economy. To achieve this, we are focusing on building stronger foundations for the years to come – with a national digital and AI strategy that prepares our economy for opportunities presented by new S-curve industries while also equipping Thai people with the capability to make the best use of advanced technologies. Microsoft’s announcement today is a direct contribution to that effort and a clear expression of confidence in Thailand’s future.”
“There is a noticeable gap in AI diffusion between the world’s most advanced economies and the developing world. Thailand is already moving in the right direction, and we are committed to helping the cloud and AI advance this country’s entire economy and all of its people,” said Microsoft’s Smith.
“AI is a powerful force for inclusive growth, and Thailand has a remarkable opportunity to extend its impact to everyone,” said Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director, Microsoft Thailand and Emerging Markets.