The Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Telecommunications Technology is accelerating efforts to boost investments in data centers and embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as part of their plan to bolster Thailand’s digital economy. To achieve this, they have rallied 71 organizations across both public and private sectors for an extensive conference designed to share insights, pinpoint obstacles, and drive forward the creation of local data centers. This effort aims to decrease dependence on overseas tech solutions, improve national technical skills, and speed up the training of competent individuals, targeting the education of one million AI experts.
In order to promote the sector’s sustainable development, the committee is actively engaged in enhancing laws concerning cybersecurity and the digital economy. Special attention is being paid to promoting cleaner energy usage within data centers as well as advancing long-term technological sustainability. Key figures from industry and technology sectors have stressed the critical nature of this shift, pointing out that postponements have resulted in a substantial trade gap. Over the three-year period post-COVID-19, Thai enterprises and individuals expended roughly 1.2 trillion baht yearly on international digital services—a figure almost equaling Thailand’s annual income from tourism at around 1.1 trillion baht per year.
On March 28, 2025, the Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Telecommunications Technology, together with the Subcommittee on Digital Economy and Society, organized a seminar titled ‘Leveraging Data Centers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Foster Thailand’s Digital Economy’ at the Parliament building in Bangkok. This event centered around discussing policies and strategic plans aimed at promoting the long-term development of the nation’s digital economy.
Seminar Highlights
The event included a dedicated talk titled “AI and the Reshaping of Healthcare and Educational Sectors: Prospects and Hurdles for Thailand’s Public Administration,” presented by Professor Dr Suchatvee Suwansawat, Chairperson of the Phra Chom Klao Chaoyuhua Hospital Foundation under the Royal Patronage of the Supreme Patriarch (or his delegate).
A keynote speech was delivered by Mr. Craig Jones, a cybercrime specialist and director of CyPo, who previously served as the head of cybercrime at INTERPOL and held a high-ranking position within the UK’s National Crime Agency. In his presentation titled ‘Thailand’s Struggles with Cybercrime Amidst Emerging Industries in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Strategies for Adapting and Being Prepared’, he examined Thailand’s readiness to tackle swiftly changing online dangers.
Panel discussions included:
‘Guidelines for Leveraging Data Centers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Advance Thailand’s Digital Economy’
‘Thoughts on Steering the Future: Collaboratively Charting the Path for Data Centers and AI Over the Coming Ten Years’
A lively brainstorming session titled ‘Data Centers, AI, and the Future of Thailand’s Economy’ wrapped up the day’s events.
Participants and Opening Remarks
The seminar was attended by 71 organizations, which included:
20 governmental and security organizations
9 higher education institutes and scholarly organizations
31 organizations, societies, and entities from the private sector
Seven organizations from sectors including tourism, logistics, and services
4 privately held firms and government-owned corporations
Mr. Niwet Pancharoenworakul, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Telecommunications Technology, inaugurated the event formally. In his speech, he outlined the progression of information technology from the days of the telegraph up until now, highlighting that data centers and artificial intelligence form the foundation of Thailand’s digital economy. He also underscored the importance of establishing a well-structured and methodical development plan.
Key Takeaways
The conversation revolved around the transition from the agrarian epoch to the industrial revolution and subsequently to the digital age. Although technology cuts expenses and boosts productivity, it introduces new cybersecurity issues as well. Mr Niwet pointed out that despite higher investments in data centers within Thailand, the nation needs to define its future strategic path.
“China has made progress with submarine-based data centers. Thailand ought to investigate effective utilization of both energy and water resources. Artificial intelligence is currently woven into every sector of the economy, so it’s crucial that we use it efficiently and securely. Regarding cybersecurity, our legislative structure requires updating. We should prioritize matters concerning national welfare. The Senate committee remains dedicated to pushing forward digital and cyber laws. This examination cannot wrap up today—it necessitates an ongoing effort aimed at safeguarding Thailand’s future,” he stated.
Senator Mr. Suwit Khaodee, representing Satun Province and serving as the Chairperson of the Task Force on Data Centers and AI Application, highlighted the worldwide importance of these technological advancements and their pivotal role in driving Thailand’s digital economy. He disclosed that the Senate Committee on Information, Communication, and Telecommunication Technologies has established a specialized task force tasked with researching and formulating policy suggestions designed to establish Thailand as the leading digital center within ASEAN and a key regional finance hub.
The team’s goals encompass formulating distinct strategies and policies aimed at attracting investments into data centers, advocating the deployment of artificial intelligence to boost the nation’s economic standing, and crafting an equitable regulatory structure for the ethical utilization of AI across governmental and commercial entities. Furthermore, this program seeks to establish regulations designed to safeguard the public and ensure data confidentiality.
After gathering extensive information from various governmental agencies and private entities, the task force determined that robust facilities for data centers and artificial intelligence are crucial for boosting the digital economy. Consequently, a well-defined strategy must be established to draw investments into different fields and promote practical uses of AI within industries, trade, and public administration.
The proposal includes four key strategic foundations:
Promoting investments in data centers and artificial intelligence via tax benefits and governmental assistance.
Building digital frameworks to ease the integration of AI into corporate and governmental operations.
Creating guidelines for the ethical creation and usage of artificial intelligence, focusing on cyber security and safeguarding data.
Developing AI expertise to fulfill the requirements of various industries via educational programs and skill enhancement.
The proposed ideas will be presented to the Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Telecommunications Technology along with other pertinent bodies to develop a cohesive nationwide plan. Mr. Suwit voiced his belief that these initiatives will assist Thailand in becoming the leading nation for the digital economy within the region and guaranteeing its sustained competitive edge.
Mr. Suwit pointed out that currently, no specific authority in Thailand has been formally tasked with regulating data centers. This highlights the importance of the committee gathering information and suggesting regulations to the authorities. Additionally, although precise numbers are not available, utilizing overseas data centers is believed to be quite expensive. Establishing local data centers is crucial both to cut down these expenses and enhance national security.
He highlighted the significance of education and workforce development, emphasizing that achieving a target of one million AI experts is crucial for Thailand to stay competitive globally in the digital sector. The main points from the seminar encompassed decreasing dependence on external infrastructures, strengthening cybersecurity measures and digital economy laws, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources in data centers, and guaranteeing sustained technological progress over time.
Senator Dr Wuttipong Phongsuwan emphasized that managing open data should be done with transparency and must enable efficient integration of information among various governmental bodies. Additionally, he suggested investing in clean energy infrastructures like solar power to ensure sustainable growth for AI technologies and data centers.
Public-sector open data should be consistently incorporated and made transparent,” he stated. “AI will play a key role in shaping our future, so we need to ready ourselves by fostering capable professionals starting at the educational stage, along with implementing regulations to stop potential misuse of AI.” He added, “We ought to focus on energy and communication infrastructures—particularly sustainable and economical options like solar power—to propel this tech advancement. Additionally, global collaboration, including partnerships with groups like INTERPOL, is essential for tackling cybercrimes and related security challenges.
Lt. Cdr. Dr. Wuttipong emphasized at the conclusion the Senate’s crucial function in enhancing understanding across various institutions and the general populace about digital transformation, technological advancements, and the necessary legal structures to foster Thailand’s digital progress.
Ms Wipawadi Phuengratsamee, who serves as the Secretary of the Subcommittee on Alternative Energy and acts as an advisor to the Senate Working Group on Data Centres and AI Utilization, underscored Thailand’s ambition to become the go-to region for data centers. She emphasized that in order to cater to global standards set by international data center operators, Thailand should concentrate on establishing eco-friendly facilities fueled by sustainable power sources.
Investors are mainly focusing on solar farm energy and natural gas, yet these sources offer limited advantages for the Thai labor force,” stated Ms. Wipawadi. “In our efforts toward regulatory advocacy, we suggest including a portion of power derived from energy crops—renewable options that match our farming capabilities. Doing so could provide direct benefits to Thai farmers by converting such crops into reliable revenue streams and help Thailand compete effectively with neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
She emphasized that achieving this vision successfully would necessitate collaboration across multiple sectors, notably involving the Ministry of Energy, to position Thailand as a leading hub for data center investments in accordance with national policies.
Insights Gained from the Seminar: Strategy for AI and Data Centers
The seminar entitled “Using Data Centers and AI to Advance Thailand’s Digital Economy: Guidelines and Insights” brought together leading figures from both governmental bodies and private sectors. These experts provided valuable perspectives on legislation, policies, foundational structures, and economic prospects.
Mr. Narun Potipattanachai, who serves as the Director of Legal Analysis and Evaluation of Laws at the Office of the Council of State, discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at updating regulations for electronic systems, encompassing both data centers and artificial intelligence. He highlighted that the significant influence exerted by major global players in developing these data centers poses regulatory difficulties, underscoring the urgency for prompt legislative changes to maintain equilibrium and justice.
Colonel Sanchai Huvanan, CEO of National Telecom Public Company Limited, addressed the significance of the telecommunications industry in attracting foreign investments. Despite Thailand’s advantageous geographic position and robust network facilities, he pointed out issues related to high energy expenses and an insufficient number of qualified data center professionals—a domain wherein Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam surpass Thailand at present.
“To transform into a genuine digital economy center, Thailand needs to tackle these shortcomings via legislative changes and the education of more than 100,000 skilled experts,” stated Colonel Sanchai.
Mr. Rattanapol Wongnapchan, CEO of Siam AI Corporation Co., Ltd., agreed with this view, noting that Thailand’s geographical advantage and abundant resources make it an ideal setting for developing data centers. Nevertheless, he cautioned about the swift evolution of technology—servers improve at a rate tenfold every month—and emphasized the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence to stay ahead in the competition.
Mr Thanason Jaidee, CEO of True Digital Park Co., Ltd., emphasized the significance of nurturing Thai talent. He stated, ‘In order to accommodate major data centers, we require well-trained engineers. It is essential for the government to spearhead the development of human resources.’
Mr. Smith Panomyong, Director of Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited, highlighted a significant economic fact: Thailand’s digital trade deficit has surpassed 100 billion baht each month, accumulating to an annual total of 1.2 trillion baht. This figure parallels the revenue generated by international tourism for the nation.
This shortfall arises due to our dependence on international digital services—such as ERP systems and accounting software like SAP, along with digital entertainment platforms including Netflix and online gaming,’ he stated. ‘Previously, we invested in local media like newspapers and TV broadcasts; however, nowadays, we access digital content through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, resulting in ad revenue being directed abroad.’
Mr. Smith ended his speech by urging immediate investment in local digital infrastructure, emphasizing that decreasing this digital trade gap is essential for Thailand’s sustained economic viability in the future.
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