Google unveils plans to build $1bn data centre in Thailand

An engineer examining servers at a Google data centre in the US. Photo: Google

The centre will reportedly be built in Chonburi, a coastal province some 126 km south of the Thai capital Bangkok.

It will support Google’s Bangkok-based Cloud Region, launched in 2023 to serve government agencies, startups, and businesses of all sizes with AI and a machine learning infrastructure.

As part of the development, Google says it plans to enhance AI skills among 150,000 Thai workers by 2026.

Collaborative project

Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, said the investment could generate up to 14,000 jobs during the construction phase, and contribute approximately US$4 billion (129.74 billion baht) to Thailand’s GDP by 2029.

The announcement followed a meeting in Bangkok between Porat and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, during which the pair discussed collaborating to aid digital economic and social development in Thailand.

Paetongtarn said the Thai government is equally committed to fostering a business-friendly environment to support Google’s investments.

She added that strengthening the digital economy was a key driver for the country and highlighted its robust digital infrastructure, extensive 5G network, and technologically engaged population.