AWS to help govt push Thailand’s digital transformation

AWS executives led by Michael Punke, global vice president of public policy. met with Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday in San Francisco to discuss current and future cooperation.

Punke said technologies in which AWS is interested in investing in Thailand include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing and the internet of things.

This key digital infrastructure is the foundation for the development of the digital economy in Thailand and will open doors for the new generation to create innovations, he pointed out.

Srettha thanked the company for investing US$5 billion or 190 billion baht in establishing the AWS Asia Pacific data centre in Bangkok over the course of 15 years, which will be the country’s first hyperscale data centre.

Srettha expressed confidence that AWS’ investment will help boost Thailand’s digital competitiveness, generate long-term economic growth, as well as increase efficiency and security in the government’s digital platforms while simultaneously creating skilled personnel in a field in which Thailand is still lacking.

The PM promised that the Thai government would continue to support AWS’ operation and investment in Thailand, and will push for the comprehensive use of cloud computing in both the public and private sectors in key industries such as finance, manufacturing, public health, retail and SMEs.

Srettha also highlighted the government’s Cloud First policy, which aims to use cloud technology to support the operation of digital government across all agencies.

The Thai PM also vowed to cooperate with AWS on renewable energy projects, in line with the company’s climate pledge to use 100% renewable energy in its data centres worldwide by 2025.

Srettha is in the United States this week for the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Franciso, being held from November 11-17.