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Google has pledged to invest 36 billion baht ($1 billion USD) into Thailand to build a data center to support the demand for AI and cloud services in Southeast Asia.
The announcement came on Monday (September 30) with the first data center to be located in Chonburi, on the country’s eastern coast.
This news comes after Google Cloud shared plans in August of 2022 to bring its first cloud region to Thailand. When this is launched, it’ll be situated in Bangkok.
On Google’s Thailand blog, the technology giant says this “will make it easier and faster for public sector organizations, small businesses, start-ups, and large enterprises to benefit from Google Cloud’s on-demand compute and AI/ML resources.”
The cloud region will be able to deliver high-performance and low-latency services “offering customers key controls that allow them to maintain the highest security, data residency, and compliance standards, including specific data storage requirements.”
Google ประกาศแผนลงทุนกว่า 3.6 หมื่นล้านบาท ร่วมกับรัฐบาลไทย ลงทุนในโครงสร้างพื้นฐานอย่าง Data Center และ Cloud Region พร้อมเปิดโอกาสให้คนไทยทุกคนเข้าถึงทักษะด้าน AI ได้มากขึ้น 🎉
อ่านเพิ่มเติม → https://t.co/efiiEQKEED #AISamartThailand pic.twitter.com/l7wTk7WmvM
— Google Thailand (@GoogleThailand) September 30, 2024
Google continues investment into Thailand in AI push
This further investment into Thailand has been spoken about numerous times by Google, with a four-pillar agreement having been established in November of 2023.
This was created by the technology company and the Thai Government to see investment in digital infrastructure including initiatives to bring in responsible AI adoption in the public sector and skilling programs in AI.
Speaking on the most recent announcement, the Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in the blog article: “Thailand is fast becoming a digital hub in Southeast Asia, propelled by a talented workforce and investments in technology infrastructure from industry leaders like Google.
“The Royal Thai Government deeply appreciates Google’s ongoing partnership to strengthen our digital economy, particularly its efforts in the past five years to train millions of Thais in critical digital skills, and its latest plans to equip even more citizens with the tools and knowledge needed for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Google’s investment in its data center and cloud region in Chonburi and Bangkok, respectively, coupled with growing Thai expertise in cloud computing and AI, are perfectly aligned with our national Cloud First Policy. This synergy will accelerate the development of innovative digital services and in turn unlock economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all Thais.”
Thailand digital economy could reach $50 billion USD by 2025
According to data from Google’s e-Conomy SEA 2023 report, Thailand’s digital economy is the second-largest in Southeast Asia and is expected to reach US$50 billion in 2025.
Ruth Porat, the President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, said: “Google’s infrastructure investments in Thailand represent a major milestone in our commitment to expanding opportunities for Thais in the digital age.
“These investments will empower Thai businesses, innovators, and communities to harness the power of cloud and AI technology. Google’s commitment to making digital skills accessible to all helps drive economic growth and create a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for people and organizations across Thailand.”
Featured Image: Via Google ประกาศแผนลงทุนกว่า 3.6 หมื่นล้านบาท ร่วมกับรัฐบาลไทย ลงทุนในโครงสร้างพื้นฐานอย่าง Data Center และ Cloud Region พร้อมเปิดโอกาสให้คนไทยทุกคนเข้าถึงทักษะด้าน AI ได้มากขึ้น 🎉
อ่านเพิ่มเติม → https://t.co/efiiEQKEED #AISamartThailand pic.twitter.com/l7wTk7WmvM
