Microsoft has committed to developing new cloud and AI infrastructure in Thailand, offering AI training to over 100,000 people and supporting the country’s growing developer community. These initiatives align with Microsoft’s memorandum of understanding with the Royal Thai Government, which aims to create a digital-first, AI-powered future for Thailand.
The announcement was made by Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella during the Microsoft Build: AI Day in Bangkok, attended by approximately 2,000 developers and business leaders, as well as Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who emphasized the significance of this collaboration for Thailand’s ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision for 2030. This vision aims to position Thailand as a regional digital economy hub, enhancing innovation, research, development, and the technological workforce.
The infrastructure commitment includes establishing a new data center region to expand Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud services in Thailand, addressing the increasing demand from enterprises, local businesses, and public sector organizations. This move is expected to help Thailand leverage significant economic opportunities presented by AI technologies. Research suggests AI could contribute nearly USD 1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, with Thailand potentially capturing USD 117 billion.
Microsoft also announced a broader commitment to provide AI training for 2.5 million people across ASEAN member states by 2025, including more than 100,000 individuals in Thailand. This initiative, in partnership with Thai governmental and educational institutions, will focus on enhancing AI skills, particularly in the tourism sector, through the AI Skills for the AI-enabled Tourism Industry program.
To further support Thailand’s developer community, Microsoft introduced new initiatives like AI Odyssey, aiming to make 6,000 Thai developers AI experts. This is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to foster digital growth, which has seen significant engagement on GitHub and the adoption of AI solutions by various Thai organizations. Microsoft is also working with the Royal Thai Government on a cloud-first policy and AI skill development for government personnel, enhancing Thailand’s cybersecurity and financial inclusivity through AI-driven insights and collaboration.
(Source: Microsoft)
