Google is constructing a new cloud data center in Chon Buri as the company looks to expand its presence in Thailand, said Ruth Porat, Google’s president and chief investment officer.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Ms. Porat expressed gratitude to the Thai government for its support in establishing the cloud data center in Chon Buri, which is expected to be operational in two years.
The Google chief executive highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting Thai government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, through a partnership focused on digital skills training.
Moreover, Ms. Porat added that Google pledges ongoing support to Thai small and medium-sized enterprises through upskilling programs.
This initiative underscores Google’s resolve to strengthen its presence in Thailand, she noted.
Ms. Paetongtarn responded by expressing her hope that Google would select Thailand as its principal hub for producing digital products, affirming the government’s readiness to support Google’s expansion efforts in the country.
On the same day, the Prime Minister also engaged in discussions with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, who praised Thailand for securing a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
President Keller-Sutter emphasized that the Thai-EFTA FTA is pivotal for boosting trade between Thailand and countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland by minimizing trade barriers, including tariffs.
She also highlighted Switzerland’s role as Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Europe.
The leaders further explored the potential for a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement and discussed Switzerland’s support for Thailand’s initiatives towards environmental sustainability.
In Davos, Ms. Paetongtarn also participated in the formal signing of the Thai-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) free-trade agreement.
Throughout her stay in Davos, Ms. Paetongtarn and the Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa engaged with several international leaders.
They met with Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser to the Bangladesh government, and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, to emphasize Thailand’s focus on enhancing trade and investment.
She reiterated Thailand’s commitment to finalizing the Thai-European Union FTA this year and sought Sweden’s support for the initiative.
Thailand is also poised to start FTA talks with Bangladesh and is preparing to host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, after which it will pass the summit’s chairmanship to Bangladesh, the PM announced.
At a panel discussion on Tuesday, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan declared that Thailand is open to all investments in artificial intelligence.