Microsoft to Set Up Its First Azure Data Center in Thailand With Investment in AI

Microsoft Corporation is building its first Azure data center in Thailand to enable a cloud and AI-powered future for the country. The tech firm announced on Wednesday, May 1, that through the facility, it will also provide AI training opportunities to more than 100,000 individuals who are also young entrepreneurs.

The commitment to build cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the region reportedly builds on Microsoft’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal Thai Government to propose the country’s digital-first, AI-powered future.

Microsoft’s AI and Cloud Computing in Thailand

According to Bangkok Post, Microsoft’s announcement came just a day after the company’s chief said they would invest $1.7 billion to establish cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Indonesia. He disclosed this information to about 2,000 developers, business and tech leaders during the “Microsoft Build: AI Day” event that took place in Bangkok earlier today.

Nadella further said Microsoft will build new cloud and AI infrastructure in Thailand but did not specify the amount of investment they will put into the project. He mentioned that the first Azure data center in the territory is one of the 300 data centers that the company will operate worldwide.

AI Upskilling Opportunities for Thais

Meanwhile, Microsoft will also facilitate the Royal Thai Government’s adoption of the cloud-first policy with an AI skill development scheme for technology developers and the government’s IT staff. The company said that as many as 6,000 developers can become experts in the AI field by learning new skills and obtaining Microsoft credentials.

“Thailand has an incredible opportunity to build a digital-first, AI-powered future,” Microsoft’s chairman and chief executive officer, Satya Nadella, said in a press release. “Our new data center region, along with the investments we are making in cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as AI skilling, build on our long-standing commitment to the country and will help Thai organizations across the public and private sector drive new impact and growth.”

Microsoft Thailand’s managing director, Dhanawat Suthumpun, added, “Microsoft is dedicated to helping Thailand excel as a digital economy, ensuring that the benefits of cloud and AI technologies are widespread and contribute to the prosperity and wellbeing of Thais. Together, we are laying the foundations for a future that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable.”

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