Google is set to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia with a new cloud data center in Chon Buri, Thailand.

This initiative forms part of Google's ongoing strategy to increase its operations in the region.

Ruth Porat, Google's President and Chief Investment Officer, discussed these plans during a meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

The Chon Buri data center is currently under construction and is slated to become operational within two years.

This development follows Google's commitment to bolster support for Thailand's technological landscape.

The tech giant is also collaborating with the Thai Ministry of Education under a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing digital skills training.

This collaboration seeks to empower both students and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through upskilling programs.

Google's expansion is being acknowledged as a testament to the company's dedication to maintaining a strong presence in Thailand.

Prime Minister Shinawatra expressed hopes that Thailand might become a primary production base for Google's digital products, assuring that the Thai government is poised to support such expansions.

In addition to Google's announcements, Prime Minister Shinawatra engaged in discussions with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter.

Their dialogue covered various topics, including the recent signing of a free trade agreement between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

This agreement is expected to enhance trade relations by lowering tariffs and other trade barriers with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Particularly, Switzerland is recognized as Thailand's second-largest European trade partner.

Further talks addressed a potential reciprocal visa-free travel agreement and Switzerland's backing of Thailand's green transition initiatives.

The Prime Minister's itinerary at Davos also included meetings with other global leaders and officials to discuss bolstering trade and investment ties with the European Union and potential free trade agreements with Bangladesh.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, also speaking at the WEF, emphasized Thailand's readiness to welcome investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and related sectors.

He highlighted ongoing developments in infrastructure, which he indicated will be pivotal in optimizing AI applications and efficiency across the region.

Moreover, multinational firms, including those from the United Arab Emirates, have shown interest in investing in Thailand's burgeoning AI and cloud computing sectors.

These various engagements underscore Thailand’s proactive approach toward becoming a key player in the digital economy and AI innovation on the global stage.