ByteDance’s TikTok is set to invest 126.8 billion baht ($3.76 billion) in establishing a data hosting service in Thailand, according to an announcement by the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) on Wednesday.
This substantial investment, made through TikTok’s Singapore-based unit, aims to support activities of affiliated companies, with operations expected to commence in 2026.
TikTok’s investment is part of a broader wave of tech investments, as Thailand positions itself as a major digital and AI hub in Southeast Asia, the region’s second-largest economy. The BOI revealed that this investment is among several new projects totaling $5 billion approved recently.
Other tech giants have also shown confidence in Thailand’s digital landscape. Alphabet Inc’s Google announced a $1 billion investment last year, following Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) commitment of $5 billion over 15 years.
Additionally, Microsoft has plans to open its first regional data center in Thailand, further solidifying the country’s status as a growing tech hub.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the BOI’s Secretary-General, emphasized the strategic importance of these developments, stating that TikTok’s initiative marks a significant step in enhancing Thailand’s digital infrastructure.
“This investment helps bring the country closer to its goal of becoming a regional digital and AI hub,” he remarked.
As major technology firms continue to expand their footprint in Thailand, the country is poised to see rapid growth in its digital infrastructure capabilities. These investments will not only enhance data storage and processing capabilities but also attract further investments in AI and cloud computing technologies, positioning Thailand as a central player in the region’s digital economy.
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