Thailand is stepping up efforts to establish itself as Southeast Asia's artificial intelligence (AI) hub after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Digital Economy and Society (DE) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob held high-level talks with China's Huawei Technologies on expanding cooperation in AI infrastructure, next-generation data centres and digital talent development.
Mr Anutin and the Thai delegation visited China from July 16-20. The meeting with Huawei, held on July 19 during a visit to Huawei's Innovation Centre, underscored Thailand's ambition to position AI as a strategic pillar of national competitiveness while attracting greater investment in advanced digital infrastructure, cloud computing and semiconductor-related industries.
The prime minister said AI has become one of Thailand's most important strategic technologies and will play a central role in driving economic growth, modernising public services and creating new business opportunities across industries.
He said the government remains committed to welcoming investment in advanced technologies, including AI, hyperscale data centres, semiconductor manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
Huawei executives presented the company's latest AI roadmap, highlighting developments in AI computing platforms, open AI ecosystems, foundation models and AI agents.
The company also presented its concept for next-generation AI data centre architecture, designed to meet the rapidly growing computing requirements of AI.
Mr Chaichanok said both parties exchanged views on strengthening Thailand's AI infrastructure, particularly AI data centres, which are increasingly regarded as critical national infrastructure supporting the country's digital transformation.
He said AI data centres will serve as the backbone of AI adoption across government agencies, manufacturing, healthcare, education and public services, while strengthening Thailand's attractiveness as a destination for global digital investment.
The discussions also explored integrating renewable energy into AI infrastructure through solar power and intelligent energy management systems, supporting environmentally sustainable AI development while addressing the sector's growing electricity demand.
Beyond physical infrastructure, both sides recognised that developing skilled AI professionals will be equally critical to Thailand's long-term competitiveness.
Huawei also expressed its readiness to expand partnerships with Thai universities, educational institutions and government agencies to strengthen AI capabilities and improve digital literacy among students, professionals and the broader workforce.
Mr Chaichanok said the ministry will work closely with Huawei and relevant agencies to transform the outcomes of the discussions into concrete projects.
David Li, chief executive of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), said the company has maintained a long-term commitment to Thailand and believes successful AI development requires three fundamental pillars: resilient infrastructure, an open innovation ecosystem and highly skilled human capital.
