Thailand plans to use its position as one of the world's four leading net exporters of AI-related hardware to draw higher-value investment, create skilled jobs and secure technology transfer, government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on July 12. The policy push follows an International Monetary Fund assessment that placed Thailand alongside Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia in AI hardware exports, and comes as the government targets a shift beyond assembly into advanced electronics and semiconductors.
IMF assessment becomes platform for policy push
The IMF's definition covers selected computer equipment, components, semiconductor-manufacturing machinery, processors and memory chips, not AI software or services. It said economies closely integrated into the technology supply chain had benefited from stronger demand linked to AI investment. The IMF has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Thailand to 1.9%, supported by emergency fiscal measures and strong technology-related exports and investment.
Ratchada said the government would build on Thailand's electronics manufacturing base by developing digital and energy infrastructure, expanding the highly skilled workforce and strengthening research and innovation. Investment facilitation and the National Semiconductor Policy Committee would also form part of the effort to position Thailand as a major production base and a key link in the global technology supply chain.
Jobs, technology transfer and energy infrastructure
Ratchada said the government wanted to "convert the expansion of the global AI industry into investment, quality employment, technology transfers and higher incomes for Thai workers." The long-term aim is to move Thailand beyond its traditional role as an electronics production and assembly base and into higher-value activities across the AI, semiconductor and advanced-electronics supply chains.
The government said it would support that transition through investment-friendly measures, stronger research capabilities and the development of workers with engineering, digital and technical skills. Energy infrastructure is also a priority because semiconductor factories, data centres and other technology-intensive operations require large and reliable electricity supplies. The statement did not identify new investors or projects but said the government would continue promoting future industries as long-term drivers of economic growth.
Semiconductor strategy sets long-term goals
Thailand has already outlined a semiconductor strategy that focuses on areas connected to its existing industrial strengths, including power semiconductors, sensors, photonics, analogue chips, assembly and testing, integrated-circuit design and advanced electronics. A draft strategy reviewed by the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Committee aims to attract Bt2.5 trillion in investment by 2050, develop over 230,000 skilled workers and create a more complete domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
The strategy also seeks to encourage investment further upstream, including wafer fabrication, while supporting Thai companies capable of participating in higher-value parts of the industry. The Board of Investment has said Thailand's established automotive, energy, data-centre and industrial manufacturing sectors could provide demand for the semiconductor segments prioritised under the strategy.
AI governance tied to investor confidence
The government is also promoting what it describes as a people-centred approach to artificial-intelligence governance. Ratchada said Thailand supported transparent and responsible AI development that balanced innovation with the protection of people's rights and the public interest. Policy makers looking to deepen their understanding of AI governance can explore the AI Learning Path for Policy Makers.
The government believes clearer governance and international cooperation on AI policy will strengthen investor confidence and improve Thailand's competitiveness as companies assess where to locate technology operations in the region.
Why this matters for government
Thailand's strategy links industrial policy, infrastructure investment, workforce development and AI governance into a single framework aimed at attracting high-value technology investment. For public sector professionals, it offers a working example of how a government can use a recognised export strength to pursue broader economic goals. The focus on reliable energy, skilled labour and transparent AI rules reflects the conditions that chipmakers and data-centre operators increasingly demand. Government officials in other jurisdictions can examine the model as they shape their own AI and semiconductor policies, and the AI for Government resource provides further insights into how governments worldwide are integrating AI into their operations.
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