TikTok Plans $3.8 Billion Investment in Thailand Data Hosting Project, Says Investment Board

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-29 12:52:11 |

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TikTok Plans $3.8 Billion Investment in Thailand Data Hosting Project, Says Investment Board

ByteDance’s TikTok is set to invest 126.8 billion baht ($3.76 billion) in a data hosting project in Thailand, according to the country’s Board of Investment (BOI). The investment, made through TikTok’s Singapore-based unit, aims to support the operations of affiliated companies and strengthen Thailand’s digital infrastructure. The project is expected to commence operations in 2026 and was part of a broader $5 billion worth of newly approved investment projects announced by the BOI on Wednesday.

The move highlights the increasing interest of global technology firms in expanding their data storage and cloud computing capabilities within Thailand, which is Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Over the past few years, Thailand has emerged as a key destination for data center investments due to its strategic location, growing digital economy, and supportive government policies.

TikTok’s decision to establish a data hosting center aligns with the broader trend of major technology companies ramping up investments in the region. In 2023, Alphabet Inc.’s Google announced plans to invest $1 billion in Thailand, reinforcing its commitment to expanding digital services in the country. This followed Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) announcement in 2022 of a $5 billion investment over 15 years to develop cloud computing and data storage facilities. Meanwhile, Microsoft has also revealed plans to set up its first regional data center in Thailand, further solidifying the country’s position as a rising hub for cloud and digital services.

According to BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi, TikTok’s investment is a crucial step in strengthening Thailand’s artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. He emphasized that such investments are helping Thailand achieve its ambition of becoming a regional technology and data hub. By attracting leading global players, Thailand is positioning itself as a center for digital transformation in Southeast Asia, fostering economic growth, job creation, and innovation.

TikTok has yet to issue an official statement regarding the announcement, and a Reuters request for confirmation remains unanswered. However, the investment signals ByteDance’s confidence in Thailand as a key market for its data operations, particularly as global regulatory scrutiny over data privacy and security continues to intensify.

As Thailand continues to attract substantial investments from global technology firms, the country is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and cloud computing in the region.