AWS to invest $5 billion in new Bangkok-based operations
New AWS region to enhance Amazon CloudFront’s infrastructure in Thailand, allowing customers to store data locally
Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced details of its plans to establish AWS Asia-Pacific (Bangkok) Region with an investment of US$5 billion (183 billion baht) by 2037.
The new region is scheduled to begin operations in early 2025, aiming to support developers, startups, entrepreneurs as well as government agencies, educational institutions and non-profit organisations by providing cloud services through data centres in Thailand.
This announcement was made at the AWS Summit Bangkok held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on Thursday.
The new AWS Region will enhance Amazon CloudFront's existing infrastructure in Thailand, which includes 10 edge locations, as well as AWS Outposts and AWS Local Zones.
This will be the fourth AWS region in ASEAN, after Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, which is expected to launch in 2024. This expansion will allow customers to store their data locally in Thailand, significantly reducing data transmission latency.
AWS also announced the continuation of its workforce training programme in cloud skills, which began in Thailand in 2017, with the goal of training 100,000 individuals by 2026.
“Our customers in Thailand, such as Bangkok Airways, PTT Global Chemical, and Siam Commercial Bank, have been utilising AWS cloud services to innovate, enhance efficiency, and drive economic progress successfully,” said Vatsun Thirapatarapong, AWS country manager for Thailand.
“The AWS Thailand Region, launching in early 2025, will further propel Thailand to become a technology leader within the region. We are thrilled to foster a prosperous future for all our customers and partners.”
Generative AI technology has gained significant interest among the general public. The AWS Thailand Region will enable users to easily leverage advanced technologies like AI or machine learning.
“Investing in establishing the AWS Thailand Region will strengthen the country's infrastructure, enhance opportunities, and Thailand's competitiveness,” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said. “It will also promote the growth of Thai businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups, aligning with the Cloud First policy vision to position Thailand as a digital economy hub in Asia.
“The government is ready to collaborate with AWS to unleash the potential and maximise the benefits of this development for all Thai citizens. This is a crucial foundation to propel Thailand towards digital economy leadership," he added.
A recent study titled “Elevating AI Skills: Preparing Asia Pacific Workforce for Future Jobs” revealed that the Thai workforce is facing a shortage of AI skills, with 64% of employers saying they cannot find the skills they need.
AWS said it is committed to training the Thai workforce. More than 50,000 individuals in Thailand have been trained in cloud skills since 2017, and AWS aims to train 100,000 individuals by 2026.
