TikTok has announced plans to invest 127 billion baht ($3.8 billion) in a data hosting service in Thailand, according to a statement from the Board of Investment (BoI) on January 29, 2025. This investment, which will fund a new data centre, is intended to support the operations of TikTok’s affiliated companies, including its growing e-commerce segment. The facility is expected to commence operations in 2026.
The project is being financed by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company based in China, through its Singaporean branch. The data centre is part of a larger trend of global tech companies investing in Thailand’s digital infrastructure. The BoI’s announcement on Wednesday also included a $5 billion worth of new approved projects. TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the investment.
TikTok’s move follows similar announcements from other major tech firms. Last year, Google revealed plans to build a data hub in Chon Buri, while Amazon Web Services pledged a $5 billion investment in the country over 15 years. Microsoft has also committed to launching its first regional data centre in Thailand.
According to BoI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the investment marks an important step toward strengthening Thailand’s digital and artificial intelligence infrastructure, moving the country closer to its goal of becoming a regional tech hub. The Board of Investment also approved a 3.25 billion baht project by Siam AI Corporation, a Thai cloud partner of Nvidia, to focus on AI applications.
The announcement comes as TikTok faces regulatory uncertainty in the U.S., with a 75-day deadline imposed by President Donald Trump for the company to find a domestic buyer. Meanwhile, analysts from Macquarie Equity Research have described Thailand as “the next frontier” for the global data centre boom, citing the country’s reliable power supply and stable grid system as attractive features for investment. However, a shortage of skilled workers in the region could present challenges.
The investment is seen as a significant boost for the Thai government, which is working to attract global businesses amidst rising tensions from the ongoing U.S.-China trade conflict. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration has introduced new incentives to appeal to foreign companies. In 2024, Thailand saw a 35% increase in investment pledges, reaching 1.14 trillion baht, the highest level since 2014. The government aims to secure additional investment proposals worth at least 1 trillion baht this year.
