In her New Year message for 2025, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra heralded the year as a “Year of Opportunity,” pledging to unlock new economic potentials for the country. A centerpiece of this vision is the government’s bold strategy to position Thailand as a global data hub by attracting massive investments in cutting-edge data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary General to the Prime Minister, outlined the government’s ambitious plans in an interview with Prachachat Business. He emphasized that data centers, along with comprehensive AI ecosystems, are central to Thailand’s strategy to drive economic growth. Major global technology players, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, Microsoft, and Huawei, have already committed to significant investments in Thailand, marking a new chapter in the country’s digital transformation.
“These are not just simple data centers,” Dr. Prommin stated. “We are building an AI ecosystem with AI production facilities, making Thailand a global player in the technology-driven future. Discussions with leaders like NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang underscore the opportunity to position Thailand at the forefront of this global AI frontier.”
Thailand is leveraging partnerships with global tech giants to build its talent pool. Huawei has signed a memorandum of understanding to develop 10,000 AI specialists annually for five years, while Microsoft aims to train and employ up to one million Thai citizens in AI-related fields. These initiatives are expected to enhance the workforce’s capability to integrate AI into various industries, ensuring that Thai citizens benefit directly from technological advancements.
“Our goal is not only to expand investment but to ensure these technologies improve livelihoods across the country,” Dr. Prommin added.
The government is also prioritizing regulatory reforms to attract and expedite foreign investments in the data center sector. Approval processes for investment promotions and critical licenses will be streamlined, cutting timelines by more than half in some cases.
“We are removing barriers and making Thailand one of the easiest places to do business in the region,” Dr. Prommin explained. “For example, the time required for Food and Drug Administration approvals will drop from 180 days to just 90 days, ensuring faster market access for businesses.”
Thailand’s neutrality in global geopolitical tensions has positioned it as the “Switzerland of Asia,” providing a secure and stable environment for negotiations and investments. The government plans to use this neutrality to attract global businesses looking for a safe and strategically located base in Southeast Asia.