BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand recorded 1.47 trillion baht in investment promotion applications during the first half of 2026, up 37% year on year, reflecting strong interest in digital infrastructure, electronics and renewable energy. The investment outlook is creating new demand for specialized engineering and construction services, including data centers and advanced industrial facilities.
According to the Board of Investment (BOI), digital industry applications accounted for approximately 1.12 trillion baht, while electronics and electrical appliances attracted 120.23 billion baht. Applications for electricity generation from renewable energy totaled 26.354 billion baht.
The expansion of digital infrastructure in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is also supporting investment in large-scale data centers and clean energy systems, positioning Thailand to attract more digital businesses and advanced manufacturing operations.
As artificial intelligence, cloud services and sustainability requirements reshape industrial development, large projects increasingly require engineering contractors capable of integrating complex systems, managing risks and delivering projects within demanding schedules. Yuttachai Charanachitt, chief executive officer of Ital Thai Engineering Co., Ltd., said data center and renewable energy projects present growing engineering challenges, particularly in system reliability, energy efficiency and delivery timelines.
He said businesses increasingly value contractors offering a “Single Point of Responsibility” model, in which one project manager oversees the work across multiple engineering disciplines. This approach integrates electrical, mechanical, civil and utility systems from design and procurement through construction, installation and commissioning, followed where required by operations and maintenance. The integrated model is intended to simplify coordination, control costs and manage risks throughout a project’s life cycle.
Against this backdrop, Ital Thai Engineering, which has more than 59 years of experience in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), is focusing its business strategy on three key markets. The first is data centers, driven by expanding cloud services and AI infrastructure. The second is renewable energy, supported by decarburization goals and energy security needs. The third is factories operated by multinational corporations, reflecting opportunities linked to international manufacturers establishing or expanding production in Thailand.
The company’s strategic shift illustrates how investment in digital infrastructure and clean energy can generate demand beyond the facilities themselves, creating opportunities throughout the engineering and construction supply chain. Contractors will face growing pressure to meet international standards for technical performance, project management and delivery.
While BOI application figures indicate strong investment interest, applications do not necessarily translate directly into approved projects or completed investment. Their eventual economic impact will depend on implementation and the progress of individual projects. (Story, Photo: Prachachat Business)
