Google has announced a major investment of 36 billion Thai baht (approximately $1 billion) to establish its first data center in Thailand as part of its strategy to expand cloud infrastructure in Asia. The new data center, to be located in Chonburi, will support growing demand for Google Cloud services and bolster the company’s AI initiatives in the region.
This investment signals Google’s increased focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing amid intensifying competition with rivals like Microsoft and OpenAI. The new center will also enhance services for platforms like Google Search, Maps, and Workspace.
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In a blog post, Jackie Wang, Google’s country lead for Thailand, emphasized that the project would create opportunities for Thai businesses, educators, and citizens by offering tools and resources to harness AI technology. Thailand’s digital economy, the second-largest in Southeast Asia, is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025, making it a key market for Google’s expansion.
The investment also reflects Google’s commitment to staying competitive in the evolving tech landscape, especially as it faces increasing pressure from AI-driven platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which are reshaping various industries.
In addition to its AI initiatives, Google has been navigating legal battles, including an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of using its dominance in the cloud computing space to stifle competition. By strengthening its presence in Asia, Google aims to maintain its leadership in AI and cloud services while tapping into the region’s digital transformation.
