Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc, has announced plans to invest $1 billion in Thailand to build a data center and cloud region aimed at supporting the growing demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) in Southeast Asia.
The investment, which will run through 2029, is expected to create an average of 14,000 jobs annually, according to a study by Deloitte, marking an expansion for Google as it seeks to bolster its infrastructure in the region.
The company revealed that its data center will be located in Chonburi, an industrial hub, while the new Google cloud region will be based in Bangkok. These facilities will cater to both private and public sector entities, enabling them to leverage Google Cloud’s capabilities, as well as popular digital services such as Search, Maps, and Google Workspace.
The investment follows a similar move by Microsoft, which announced in May the launch of its first regional data center in Thailand.
According to Google, the new infrastructure will support Thailand’s increasing demand for cloud services and AI-driven innovations, as the project aligns with the Thai government’s Cloud First Policy, which aims to position the country as a digital leader in the region.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lauded the investment, calling it a timely boost to Thailand’s tech-driven economic growth.
The move shows the growing importance of cloud infrastructure in Southeast Asia as tech giants like Google and Microsoft invest heavily in the region to capitalize on the rising demand for digital services and artificial intelligence. Both companies are competing to establish their footholds in the region’s expanding digital economy.