Bangkok: The government is actively promoting "optical chip" technology in a strategic move to capitalize on the booming artificial intelligence (AI) sector. This initiative aims to attract 82 billion baht in investment to Thailand, alongside accelerating the development of 100,000 skilled workers, thereby pushing the overall investment target to 30% of the country's GDP.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted the economic opportunities presented by the rapid growth of AI and data centers worldwide. The government has systematically planned to leverage these opportunities by promoting the photonics industry. This industry, which revolves around technology that uses light to transmit data, is crucial for processing the vast amounts of data inherent in the digital age. The initiative is expected to elevate Thailand from being a data center hub to a source of advanced technology production in the near future.
The spokesperson further revealed that the government's proactive strategies have led the Board of Investment (BOI) to receive investment promotion statistics from 2021 to June 2026. These statistics show 79 projects in the Photonics industry applying for incentives, totaling over 82.7 billion baht. These projects encompass the production of fiber optic cables, optical communication equipment, and high-speed optical transceivers for data centers. The figures underscore Thailand's strong manufacturing base and readiness to embrace advanced technology. The government aims to increase the country's total investment from the current 23-24 percent to 30 percent of GDP, thus enhancing Thailand's economic potential for sustainable growth at a rate of 3 percent.
Ms. Rachada also cited data from the National Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NSCRIC), indicating Thailand's potential to develop advanced semiconductor and electronics industries. These include areas such as IC Design, Power, Photonics, and Sensors, which are in high market demand and exhibit significant growth opportunities. In the realm of Photonics, Thailand can capitalize on its existing base in printed circuit board (PCB) and PCBA manufacturing to produce higher value-added components and technologies. This aligns with the government's focus on upgrading Thailand to a high-tech industry.
Moreover, the government prioritizes human resource development as a critical aspect of this initiative. Collaborative efforts with educational institutions and the private sector are underway to develop curricula aimed at producing engineers, technicians, and researchers to meet the growing demand. The semiconductor and related industries are poised to create over 100,000 jobs within five years, opening opportunities for Thai SMEs to become part of the expanding supply chain.
Ms. Rachada concluded that the government is committed to leveraging the growth of AI and the digital economy to transform Thailand's economic structure. This transformation will shift Thailand from a mere assembly base into a high-tech hub, creating quality jobs, enabling skill upgrades, increasing income levels, and providing access to new technologies. Such efforts are expected to sustainably enhance the country's competitiveness.