Chinese tech giant Huawei has announced plans to build two data centres at a cost of 700 million baht in Thailand to offer cloud services to public and private customers.
The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has approved an investment application by Huawei Technology (Thailand) to expand its Amata City premises in Chon Buri and build a new facility in Bangkok.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, deputy secretary-general of the BOI said the data centres will provide key infrastructure as Thailand strives to become a hub for trading in the digital economy age.
"The government wants to promote investment, including foreign and local companies, to invest in the data centres because they will help, support and benefit businesses in the future. The BOI has attractive incentives for investors in technological infrastructure in Thailand," he said.
Huawei currently offers smartphones, tablets and wearable technology in Thailand through a network of shops.
Mr Narit said the data centres will offer many useful services to businesses, while the government expects cloud services to be a key area when it comes to improving the efficiency and reach of both public and private services. He emphasised that Huawei's data centres will provide significant capacity and offer a range of products for both big and small companies.
Thailand is attractive to invest in Asean countries are coming together and have formed the Asean Economic Community (AEC), with Thailand at its centre. Therefore, good technology infrastructure is vital for capitalising on this opportunity, he added.
"The government expects it [Huawei's investment] will help small-medium business enterprises increase their efficiency and reduce costs of operation," he said.
Recently, the BOI approved an investment project from Huawei Technology (Thailand) for three projects including a regional operating headquarters.
The BOI has also agreed to promote seven cloud service firms that have agreed to invest a total of 1.14 billion baht. They include Digital Port Asia from Japan, SuperNAP International SA from the US, and TCC Technology -- owned by Thai tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi.