NEW YORK, USA – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met Alphabet and Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat at Google’s Pier 57 office in New York, discussing cooperation on environmentally friendly data center standards, digital skills and the development of Thailand’s digital economy.
Government spokesman Akaphop Phianphiset said the Thai government is ready to work with Google on developing data center standards that promote environmental sustainability while benefiting surrounding communities. The meeting also covered Google’s plans to establish an Open Data institute to help develop a skilled Thai workforce and create opportunities for Thai people and startups.
Anutin thanked Google for its confidence in Thailand and its planned US$1 billion investment, worth about 36 billion baht, to develop a data center in Chonburi and a Google Cloud region in Bangkok.
He said the Thai government is ready to facilitate the projects and ensure they proceed smoothly according to plan. He also called for long-term cooperation extending beyond digital infrastructure, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital skills development and Thailand’s transition to a digital economy.
The Prime Minister highlighted clean energy and sustainable data center standards as key areas for cooperation. He said data centers are becoming critical infrastructure for the digital and AI-driven economy, making energy efficiency, water management and consideration for surrounding communities important parts of future development.
Thailand is also ready to draw on Google’s knowledge, technology and experience to help develop environmentally friendly data center approaches and standards in the country. Porat said Google has already invested in Thailand through its data center development in Chonburi’s Eastern Economic Corridor, with environmental standards and benefits for surrounding communities forming important parts of the project.
Google also plans to establish an Open Data institute to promote workforce development, including high-quality digital skills. The initiative is expected to create opportunities for Thai workers and startups. Google reaffirmed its intention to remain a long-term partner of Thailand, while Anutin said discussions with major US private-sector companies during his New York visit showed growing interest in investment opportunities in Thailand.
