The strategy identifies photonics, power semiconductors, and sensors as priority technology areas.
Thailand has approved its first national strategy for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, targeting about $80 billion in cumulative investment and $150 billion in annual industry revenue by 2050. The long-term “Made in Thailand” initiative also aims to create more than 230,000 jobs.
The strategy seeks to build an integrated domestic semiconductor ecosystem covering chip research and design, front-end manufacturing, assembly, packaging and testing, and high-value electronics applications.
The roadmap will be implemented in three phases. By 2030, Thailand plans to strengthen its existing assembly and testing capabilities, expand advanced packaging, and establish the foundations for front-end wafer manufacturing. By 2040, the country aims to attract anchor investors in chip design, wafer fabrication, and advanced manufacturing. By 2050, it targets a complete domestic semiconductor supply chain, with Thai companies developing into local technology players.
The strategy identifies photonics, power semiconductors, and sensors as priority technology areas. Photonics will support AI, data centres and high-speed communications, while power semiconductors will target electric vehicles, energy storage and power grids. Sensor development will build on Thailand’s MEMS capabilities for automotive, automation, connected devices, smart electronics and medical applications.
Thailand will support the strategy through tax incentives, grants and financing, workforce development, upgraded research and chip-design infrastructure, investment-ready industrial clusters, reliable utilities and regulatory reforms.
A workforce programme aims to develop 86,600 people by 2030, including 84,900 highly skilled personnel and about 1,700 advanced researchers, through specialised education, industry placements, overseas training and faculty-development programmes.
The strategy comes amid growing semiconductor investment in Thailand. Between 2023 and the first half of 2026, the Thailand Board of Investment received applications for 879 semiconductor and advanced electronics projects worth about $27.2 billion (909 billion baht).
Among the companies expanding their presence is Infineon Technologies, which is set to open its first Thai factory in Samut Prakan. The facility will produce and package advanced power modules for electric vehicles, energy storage, clean energy and advanced electronics. Infineon also plans an R&D centre and partnerships with Thai educational institutions.
Other companies contributing to Thailand’s semiconductor ecosystem include Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Analog Devices, Zhen Ding Technology, Terahop and Malaysian Pacific Industries.
“The ‘Made in Thailand’ chip initiative will bring together the country’s technology, infrastructure, investment and talent through a strong, coordinated and comprehensive national plan,” said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General, Thailand Board of Investment.
