Ms. Ruth Porat, the president and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and its subsidiary Google, announced Google’s plans to invest US$1 billion to build its data center and cloud region in Thailand.
Thailand’s Data Center and Cloud Region is expected to create more than 14,000 jobs between 2025 and 2029 and boost the economy by approximately 4 billion US dollars or 140 billion baht by 2029.
Ms. Porat announced it came after meeting Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra at Government House. They discussed the progress of the company’s investment projects in Thailand and cooperation to grow the digital economy and society under Leave No Thai Behind.
The Prime Minister hosted a reception for Ms. Ruth Porat and her team at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House, and started to congratulate the company on the official announcement of its investment in Thailand. She said she was pleased to welcome Ms. Ruth Porat and the team from Google, a well-known company among the Thai people.
Prime Minister Paethongtarn thanked Google for trusting in Thailand’s potential to support Google’s business operations and believes that their discussion will further promote cooperation between the government and Google.
She said that the Thai government is committed to driving closer cooperation in the long term and seeking ways to make cooperation progress and benefit all parties.
The government’s Cloud First Policy focuses on efficient data management to improve government operations and services to the public to be more efficient and secure, including AI technology, which the government is ready to provide useful knowledge to the public to create correct understanding and be in line with Google’s approach and international standards.
Google While Help Drive Thailand’s Digital Transformation
The Prime Minister said that strengthening the digital economy in partnership with Google is one of the key goals that will drive Thailand’s transformation. The government aims to build essential digital capabilities to support self-development, work efficiency and innovation, which will help reduce inequality and create more opportunities for everyone.
In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized Thailand’s potential, with a resilient digital infrastructure and stable public utilities, along with maintaining technological neutrality.
The Prime Minister said Thailand’s digital demand continues to grow due to its extensive 5G network and large digital population.
The government will continue to expand clean energy initiatives and improve the regulatory landscape to promote a thriving digital ecosystem. The government is actively working to create clean energy mechanisms, such as direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) and expanding new options to support greater access to clean energy.
In addition, the government recognizes the importance of creating a digital regulatory environment conducive to developing the digital economy.
Thailand’s Cloud First Policy
Another important government initiative is the Cloud First Policy, which aims to enhance the government’s digital services, data governance, and cybersecurity. At the same time, the government has revised related laws and regulations to align with international standards, build confidence in the business sector, and create an environment that supports digital innovation.
The Prime Minister said she was pleased that Google had worked closely with the Board of Investment (BOI) to explore establishing the first data center in Thailand.
She said this reflects Google’s confidence and Thailand’s readiness regarding strong digital infrastructure and skilled labor.
The Prime Minister also encouraged Google to explore opportunities for cooperation with educational institutions in Thailand to develop digital skills for future workers and prepare for the rapidly developing digital industry.
The data center will be located in an industrial estate in Chonburi, while the Google Cloud region, which includes hardware and software dedicated to providing services to private and public sector entities, will be situated in Bangkok, the capital.
Source: MCOT, Office of the Prime Minister
Salman Ahmad is known for his significant contributions to esteemed publications like the Times of India and the Express Tribune. Salman has carved a niche as a freelance journalist, combining thorough research with engaging reporting.
