BANGKOK – Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a new data center region in Thailand to build the nation’s digital-first, AI-powered future. The new cloud and AI infrastructure in Thailand will provide AI skilling opportunities for over 100,000 people, and support the nation’s growing developer community.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who delivered a special address, attended the announcement at the Microsoft Build: AI Day event in Bangkok on May 1. There were also approximately 2,000 developers and business and technology leaders participating.
According to Microsoft, the new cloud data center region will expand the availability of the hyperscale cloud and AI services in Thailand, ensuring enterprise-grade reliability, performance, and compliance with data residency and privacy standards.
The commitments build on Microsoft’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal Thai Government to envision the nation’s digital-first, AI-powered future.
Microsoft’s skilling commitment is expected to benefit more than 100,000 individuals in Thailand.
It will enhance the AI proficiency of those involved in the nation’s tourism sector through the AI Skills for the AI-enabled Tourism Industry program. The initiative is a partnership between Microsoft and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Labour, and the nation’s Technology Vocational Education Training Institute. It aims to empower young entrepreneurs and youths involved in tourism businesses across minor-tier geographic provinces in all five regions of Thailand.
The learning module will be accessible through partners’ learning platforms to ensure sustainability and scalability.
The tourism initiative builds on other Microsoft-supported skilling initiatives in Thailand, including Accelerating Thailand, the ASEAN Cyber Security Programme, Code; Without Barriers, and the Junior Software Developer Program.
Microsoft will also enable the Royal Thai Government to adopt a cloud-first policy with an AI skill development program for developers and government IT personnel.
In his speech, Prime Minister Srettha stated that his government’s ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision for 2030 aims to develop the country’s stature as a regional digital economy hub that significantly enhances our innovation and R&D capabilities while also strengthening our tech workforce.
“Today’s announcement with Microsoft is a significant milestone in the journey of our ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision – one that promises new opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity for all Thais.”
Mr. Satya Nadella said Thailand has an incredible opportunity to build a digital-first, AI-powered future.
“Our new datacenter region, along with the investments we are making in cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as AI skilling, build on our long-standing commitment to the country – and will help Thai organizations across the public and private sector drive new impact and growth.”
Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, added that Microsoft is dedicated to helping Thailand excel as a digital economy, ensuring that the benefits of cloud and AI technologies are widespread and contribute to the prosperity and wellbeing of Thais.
“Together, we are laying the foundations for a future that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
