PR Thai Government

Thailand is cementing its place as Southeast Asia's data hub, with the country's Board of Investment (BOI) approving a landmark investment project by TikTok Systems (Thailand) Co., Ltd., valued at USD 26.3 billion (THB 842.35 billion).

The project will expand server infrastructure across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao provinces, strengthening Thailand's role as a strategic regional hub for data storage and processing. The investment also aims to meet growing demand from users across the region.

In addition to infrastructure development, TikTok's investment will encompass digital literacy programs and e-commerce training, creating new business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and strengthening the country's digital workforce.
Beyond TikTok, the BOI also approved two additional data center projects, Skyline Data Center and Cloud Services, and Bridge Data Centres IIO (Thailand) Co., Ltd., together valued at USD 2.23 billion (THB 71.5 billion).

Collectively, these investments reflect sustained investor confidence in Thailand's digital economy ambitions, even amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.

Thailand and the U.S. Push Forward on Trade Talks

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun has recently concluded a productive round of discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy USTR Rick Switzer, marking a significant step forward in bilateral trade relations.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), with the shared goal of reaching a concrete outcome as soon as possible to strengthen economic confidence and reduce trade pressure.

Key highlights from the talks:
✅ Thailand is ready to expand private sector investment in the U.S., particularly in agro-processing and energy
✅ Thailand pushed for tariff exemptions on Thai goods that the U.S. does not produce domestically — a proposal the U.S. side received openly
✅ Both parties agreed to increase the use of U.S. raw materials in Thailand's supply chains
✅ A Thai delegation will travel to the U.S. on 13–14 May to participate in Section 301 hearings and clarify Thailand's trade and production structure

The deputy prime minister also held discussions with Senator Tammy Duckworth, exploring cooperation in clean energy, small modular nuclear technology, food innovation, healthcare, and infant food industries — sectors where both Thai private enterprises and U.S. institutions see strong mutual potential.

By the numbers: The U.S. is Thailand's 2nd largest trading partner, with total trade valued at over US$93.65 billion in 2025. Thailand's exports to the U.S. reached US$72.5 billion, while imports stood at US$21.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$51.36 billion for Thailand.

Thailand stands ready to be a reliable and strategic partner to the U.S., building a balanced, sustainable, and mutually beneficial trade relationship for the long term.

As Thailand braces for the impact of Super El Niño, the government has mobilized across multiple ministries to manage water resources and support communities facing the upcoming drought.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has directed the Department of Water Resources to implement nationwide water management measures, including tap water supply management, water storage, and distribution for the agricultural sector.

Building on these efforts, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Juangroongruangkit has outlined four key measures to combat the effects of Super El Niño: water storage, water replenishment, crop adjustment, and ongoing situation monitoring.

With these measures now in place, the public is encouraged to begin storing water and planning their usage ahead of time to effectively cope with the anticipated dry conditions.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Interior Minister, is set to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, to be held from 7-9 May 7–9 2026, in Cebu City, Philippines. The visit marks his first official overseas trip since assuming office for a second term.

The summit represents a key opportunity for Thailand, giving the prime minister a chance to meet with other ASEAN leaders, exchange views on global developments, and strengthen regional cooperation. It also allows Thailand to reaffirm its role as a constructive and proactive member of the organization.

The gathering will serve as a key platform for Thailand to advance practical cooperation initiatives and protect national interests across multiple dimensions, particularly amid growing global uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and emerging security challenges.

The 48th ASEAN Summit, the bloc's annual leaders' meeting, will bring together heads of state and government from ASEAN member countries, along with guests invited by the chair. This year's meeting comes at a time of heightened global tension, fueled by strategic competition among major powers and ongoing conflicts in several regions, most notably in the Middle East, with wide-ranging implications for global economic stability, energy security, and supply chains.

Attendees are expected to include leaders and senior representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General, representatives from Myanmar, and the Asian Development Bank as a guest of the chair.
#อาเซียน #อาเซียน2026

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (Tourism Authority of Thailand) has launched “Amazing Thailand GI Tour & Trail Running,” a new initiative combining sport, tourism, and local identity to create more meaningful travel experiences.

Held for the first time in Thailand, the programme integrates running activities with Geographical Indication (GI) products, allowing participants to explore destinations while engaging with local communities and supporting grassroots economies.

The opening event, “Lanna Trail,” kicked off on 3 May 2026 in Northern Thailand, featuring GI coffee from Thep Sadet, with interactive experiences such as coffee roasting and brewing along the route.

The initiative reflects the growing trend of health-conscious tourism, encouraging participants to enhance their wellbeing while discovering local culture and products.

More events will be rolled out nationwide, alongside a Virtual Run campaign open for registration from 2 April to 15 May 2026. Participants can complete a cumulative distance of 77 kilometres via Thai Run at https://race.thai.run/gitourandtrail, with finishers eligible to receive commemorative items and special rewards.

The campaign aims to promote sustainable tourism, distribute income to local communities, and position Thailand as a destination for high-value, experience-driven travel.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand presents an amazing one-day route linking Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi aboard the special excursion train No. 909/910, where spiritual heritage, wartime history, and natural scenery come together in one unforgettable journey.

∙ First Stop: Nakhon Pathom
The adventure kicks off in Nakhon Pathom with a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi, the largest chedi in Thailand and a powerful symbol of Buddhism's enduring legacy in Suvarnabhumi. The site reflects the long-standing prosperity of the religion and serves as a peaceful starting point. Visitors can soak up the local atmosphere with freshly grilled pork skewers and a cup of coffee from charming cafes just steps from the station.

∙ Next Stop: Bridge over the River Kwai
The journey continues to Kanchanaburi, home to the historic Bridge over the River Kwai, built during World War II as part of the Death Railway. The ride along this route offers panoramic views of the Kwai Noi River along steep cliffside tracks and passes Krasae Cave, once used as a shelter by prisoners of war.

∙ Pit Stop: Sai Yok Noi Waterfall
A stop at Sai Yok Noi Waterfall provides a refreshing natural break. Although smaller in scale, the waterfall is known for its tranquil setting, with water flowing down limestone cliffs. The surrounding area offers space for relaxation, with food and drink vendors available nearby.

∙A Sobering Reminder: Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
The mood shifts as the route makes a deeply moving stop at Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, which presents the history of the Death Railway’s construction, particularly the excavation of Hellfire Pass, where Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers endured extreme hardship and significant loss of life.

∙ Final Stop: Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)
The journey wraps up at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, a deeply moving memorial honoring thousands of Allied prisoners of war, and a timeless place of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection.

This thoughtfully curated route blends culture, history, and nature into a perfect one-day escape from Bangkok. Tickets for the special excursion train No. 909/910 are available at any railway station ticket counter, or book ahead at https://dticket.railway.co.th or via the D-Ticket app. For more info, hit up the State Railway of Thailand Call Center at 1690.

On this Coronation Day, 4 May, Thailand stands united in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. A reign built on dedication, compassion, and the people's love. Long Live the King!

A high-level Thai delegation, including the Royal Thai Police and key ministries, met with U.S. authorities in Washington, D.C., from April 21 to 25. They agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing to address transnational call centers and online crimes.

​U.S. authorities also commended Thailand for establishing the Intelligence Analysis Center (IAC) War Room, integrating data from financial institutions and mobile service providers to quickly freeze accounts and recover assets.

Collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has resulted in significant arrests and asset seizures. These achievements demonstrate the government’s commitment to public protection and international security standards.

In addition, the Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has designated the suppression of transnational crime networks and scam syndicates as a national priority, and Thailand has conducted many operations, including:

- seizing and freezing assets worth over 20 billion baht from the Ben Smith and Yim Leak networks, with ongoing investigations into related money-laundering operations in Thailand;

- dismantling a large call center network along the Thai-Cambodian border, uncovering over 10,000 forced laborers of various nationalities, coerced into romance scams and fraudulent investment schemes.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand will not serve as a transit point for such organizations and has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on trafficking networks along the borders.

These efforts aim to move Thailand from its current Tier 2 status, held for four consecutive years, to Tier 1.

This upgrade is expected to strengthen the national image and boost confidence in the economy, investment, and tourism. To support this goal, the Royal Thai Police will launch the "SHIELD" system in June 2026 as an international information-sharing hub for over 10 member nations.