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Thailand Approves $29 Billion Investment Wave as Data Center Demand Surges

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TikTok leads new BOI approvals as Thailand moves to strengthen power readiness, clean energy access and fast-track strategic investment
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2026 – Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major projects worth a combined 958 billion baht, or approximately USD 29 billion, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok System (Thailand) Co., Ltd., underscoring the country’s growing role as a regional hub for data centers, cloud services and AI-driven digital infrastructure.

The approvals were made at a BOI Board meeting chaired by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The Board also approved a second batch of projects under the Thailand FastPass mechanism and discussed with energy agencies steps to strengthen electricity readiness and improve access to clean energy — two increasingly important factors in attracting large-scale digital and high-technology investment.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, said the latest approvals reflect growing investor confidence in Thailand at a time when global companies are racing to expand digital infrastructure across Asia.

“Amid continuing global volatility, investment in Thailand’s digital and advanced technology sectors continues to grow, reflecting investor confidence in the country’s potential as a regional technology hub,” Mr. Narit said. “For Thailand to capture this new investment cycle, we must be ready not only with investment incentives, but also with sufficient power, clean-energy options, skilled talent, deeper supply chains and a reliable facilitation system that allows projects to move quickly from approval to operation.”

Of the six approved projects, three are in data center and data hosting services, with a combined investment value of 913 billion baht, or approximately USD 27 billion.

The largest project is by TikTok System (Thailand) Co., Ltd., valued at 842 billion baht, or approximately USD 25 billion. The project will install additional servers and expand data storage and processing infrastructure across Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao Province, supporting rising demand for digital services and strengthening Thailand’s role in regional digital infrastructure.

Beyond its core infrastructure investment, TikTok has also committed to developing digital literacy and e-commerce curricula to help create new business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and strengthen the country’s digital workforce.

Another approved project is a 46 billion baht, or USD 1.4 billion, data center investment by Skyline Data Center and Cloud Services Co., Ltd., part of the UAE-based DAMAC Group. Located in Chachoengsao, the project will support an IT load of 200 megawatts.

A third data center project, by Bridge Data Centres IIO (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. from Singapore, was approved with an investment value of 24.6 billion baht, or USD 746 million. Located in Chonburi, the project will support an IT load of 134 megawatts.

The remaining approved projects cover renewable energy, circular economy and resource-based industries. PureCycle (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. will invest 8.18 billion baht, or USD 248 million, in recycled plastic pellet production in Rayong, using technology exclusively licensed from P&G, with Thailand serving as a key production base for the Asian market. Dan Khun Thot Wind One Co., Ltd. will invest 4.7 billion baht, or USD 143 million, in an 89-megawatt wind power generation project in Nakhon Ratchasima. ASEAN Potash Chaiyaphum Plc. will invest 31.4 billion baht, or USD 952 million, in potassium chloride production in Chaiyaphum, producing a key input for potash fertilizer.

To accelerate project implementation, the BOI Board also selected nine additional projects worth 52 billion baht, or USD 1.6 billion, for Thailand FastPass, following the first batch of 16 projects. The latest selection brings the FastPass portfolio to 25 projects, with a combined investment value of 223 billion baht, or USD 6.8 billion.

The FastPass mechanism is designed to streamline approval and permitting procedures, speed up coordination among relevant agencies — including the BOI, the Department of Industrial Works, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, the Customs Department and power-related agencies — and help strategic projects begin operations faster.

At the same meeting, the Board outlined steps to strengthen electricity readiness with the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission, focusing on urgent power supply needs for incoming investment, particularly in the Eastern region. The Board also directed action on accelerating the issuance of Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) to support future demand, new energy technologies and long-term power-system planning.

The Board also advanced plans for clean energy mechanisms, including Direct Renewable Power Purchase Agreements, or Direct PPA, which would allow private companies to buy and sell renewable electricity directly, with participation criteria and grid-service charges to be announced shortly. The Board also acknowledged the launch of Utility Green Tariff 2, or UGT2, a source-specific green tariff designed to give companies more options for procuring clean electricity.

The Board also tasked the BOI with coordinating with relevant agencies to consider regulatory improvements that would facilitate clean energy investment, including easing power-generation licensing conditions for foreign operators installing solar rooftops, and clarifying rules to support self-generation under Independent Power Supply, or IPS, arrangements.

Mr. Narit said the combination of large-scale digital investment, power readiness, clean energy access, skilled talent and faster investment facilitation is central to Thailand’s competitiveness in the next phase of global investment.

“Thailand is entering a new investment cycle in which speed, power readiness, clean energy access and skilled talent will be decisive,” he said. “The BOI is working with partner agencies to ensure that major projects can move from approval to operation as quickly as possible, while strengthening the infrastructure, workforce, supply chains and ecosystem needed for long-term growth in the digital economy.”

USD conversion based on an estimated exchange rate of 33 baht per USD.

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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Receives Delegation of Heads of Member Institutions of the Arab Coordination Group

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The two sides reviewed the broad opportunities available to further expand the partnership between Azerbaijan and ACG member institutions

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 21, 2026/APO Group/ –President of the Republic of Azerbaijan H.E. Ilham Aliyev received, on June 18, a delegation comprising the heads of member institutions of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (https://TheACG.org), as well as Arab Ministers of Finance and senior officials participating in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Baku.

 

The delegation included H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group; Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development; Mr. Abdullah Khalil Al-Musaibeeh, President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa; Dr. Fahad Alturki, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund; Mr. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development; Mr. Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraied, Executive Director of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development; and Mr. Thamer Al-Failakawi, Director of Operations at the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

The delegation also included H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Mr. Yaqoub Al-Rifai, Minister of Finance of the State of Kuwait; H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance of the State of Qatar; and Mr. Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Relations at the Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates.

During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev underscored the importance of the participation of the heads of ACG member institutions and Arab Ministers of Finance in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group. He also highlighted the strong and active cooperation between Azerbaijan and the member institutions of the Arab Coordination Group, noting that several projects are currently under implementation and stressing the importance of the documents to be signed in this regard.

Expressing gratitude for the gracious welcome extended in Azerbaijan, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser conveyed the delegation’s appreciation to President Ilham Aliyev for the reception. He also expressed his high appreciation for the President’s continued support for strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Arab Coordination Group.

The two sides reviewed the broad opportunities available to further expand the partnership between Azerbaijan and ACG member institutions. They also underlined the importance of Azerbaijan’s favorable investment climate in supporting the implementation of joint projects with the member institutions of the Arab Coordination Group.

Following the meeting, and in the presence of the President of Azerbaijan, a loan agreement was signed for the “Construction of the Sumgayit New Wastewater Treatment Facility” project. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged to expand cooperation between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, and members of the Arab Coordination Group on the “Construction of Water Supply and Sewerage Systems for 33 Residential Settlements in the Absheron Peninsula” project.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev presented the “Dostlug” — Friendship — Order to H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, in recognition of his contribution to the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Islamic Development Bank.

H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser expressed his sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for this high distinction and for the appreciation shown for his efforts to strengthen cooperation between Azerbaijan and the IsDB Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

 

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Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) supports Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium Project in Uganda with USD 65 Million cover

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The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is part of Uganda’s efforts to strengthen national sports infrastructure and expand its capacity to host regional and international sporting events

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 21, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral credit and political risk insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, has provided insurance support for the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Uganda. The transaction was signed on the sidelines of the IsDB Group 2026 Annual Meetings, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 16 to 19 June 2026.

 

ICIEC’s support was provided through a Specific Transaction Policy (STP) extended to SAMCO National Construction Company of Egypt covering a supplier credit facility. The project has a total contract value of approximately USD 130 million, with an insured amount of USD 65 million and a coverage level of 90% against the non-honouring of a Ministry of Finance guarantee issued by the Government of Uganda.

 

This project demonstrates how well-structured risk mitigation can help deliver social infrastructure with lasting development value

The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is part of Uganda’s efforts to strengthen national sports infrastructure and expand its capacity to host regional and international sporting events. Located in Lira City, the project is expected to support youth athletics, promote community participation in sports, and contribute to healthier lifestyles.

 

During construction, the project is expected to create employment opportunities and increase demand for local materials and services. In the longer term, the stadium is expected to stimulate regional economic activity by attracting sporting events, tourism, and related commercial services, while supporting urban development in Lira and surrounding areas.

 

Commenting on the transaction, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said: “This project demonstrates how well-structured risk mitigation can help deliver social infrastructure with lasting development value. By supporting the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, ICIEC is contributing to a project that will serve communities, empower young people, and create new opportunities for economic activity in Northern Uganda.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

 

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ICIEC and the National Bank of Bahrain Sign Trade Finance Insurance Policies to Support Trade Across Member States

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The partnership underscores ICIEC and NBB’s shared commitment to expanding trade finance, strengthening cross-border trade flows, and deepening economic cooperation among Member States

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 21, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral credit and political risk insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, has signed a Bank Master Policy (BMP) and Documentary Credit Insurance Policy (DCIP) with the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) on the sidelines of the IsDB Group 2026 Annual Meetings, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 16 to 19 June 2026.

 

Under these insurance policies, ICIEC will provide insurance cover for eligible trade finance transactions extended by NBB to entities located in ICIEC Member States and support the confirmation of letters of credit issued by banks in ICIEC Member States, helping facilitate cross-border trade while mitigating payment risks.

Resilient trade ecosystems require strong financial institutions, trusted partnerships, and effective risk mitigation

 

The partnership underscores ICIEC and NBB’s shared commitment to expanding trade finance, strengthening cross-border trade flows, and deepening economic cooperation among Member States. Through the provision of risk mitigation solutions, the agreement enhances confidence in international trade transactions, supports increased private sector engagement, and facilitates the efficient movement of essential goods and services across strategic markets.

 

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said: “Resilient trade ecosystems require strong financial institutions, trusted partnerships, and effective risk mitigation. These insurance policies with the National Bank of Bahrain bring these elements together, enabling greater confidence in cross-border transactions and expanding trade opportunities across ICIEC Member States. We are pleased to join forces with NBB in supporting businesses and facilitating the flow of trade that contributes to sustainable economic development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

 

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