Thailand Aims for Domestic Chip Production by 2050: Lan Hsia-li Highlights High Potential for Taiwan-Thailand Collaboration

(CNA reporter Li Tsung-hsien, Bangkok, June 16) Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the establishment of a new unit to promote industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), with the goal of achieving domestically produced 'Made in Thailand' semiconductors by 2050. Lan Hsia-li, Taiwan's Representative to Thailand, stated today that he welcomes the Thai government's accelerated development of high-tech industries, noting that Taiwan and Thailand possess high potential for collaboration in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors.

The Bangkok Post reported on the 15th that Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled a new plan to transform Thailand into an advanced semiconductor manufacturing hub within ASEAN, targeting the production of 'Made in Thailand' chips by 2050. The government has identified semiconductors as a key industry to drive long-term economic growth.

Anutin has signed an executive order establishing the 'National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Committee,' tasked with setting policy direction, development goals, and overseeing implementation progress. This is one of several measures the government is taking to expand its semiconductor industry. The Thai government aims to attract 2.5 trillion baht (approximately NT$2.42 trillion) in investment and cultivate over 230,000 high-skilled professionals.

Lan Hsia-li, speaking to CNA today, expressed that the representative office welcomes the Thai government's establishment of the committee to accelerate the development of high-tech industries.

He pointed out that in February this year, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand hosted four screenings of the documentary 'The Mountain Makers' in Bangkok. Many Thai friends gained insight into Taiwan's semiconductor industry and its ecosystem, which was built over more than 50 years.

Lan stated, 'Taiwan has accumulated valuable experience in developing its semiconductor industry and is willing to share it with partners.' He added that as Thailand has now positioned semiconductors as a future policy direction, it will further strengthen technological infrastructure, including talent training and related facilities. This will positively benefit Taiwanese businesses in Thailand, facilitating expanded investment and deeper cooperation in relevant fields.

Lan emphasized that the representative office is willing to assist the Thai government, academia, and enterprises in connecting with Taiwan to promote bilateral exchanges and collaboration.

Additionally, he noted that besides semiconductors, recent Thai government policy announcements also cover digital technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, clean energy, and biotechnology—areas that align with Taiwan's current industrial development priorities. This indicates 'very high potential for cooperation between Taiwan and Thailand in many future high-tech industries.'

Regarding Taiwan's role in Thailand's semiconductor development, Lan said, 'The world knows Taiwan leads in chip manufacturing. Therefore, when discussing chip industry collaboration, Taiwan is naturally a key partner.'

According to official data from Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI), Taiwanese investment applications in Thailand reached 50 billion baht in 2024, covering high-value projects such as advanced semiconductor equipment and components, PCBs, and smart electronic products.

Lan noted that Taiwan hosts internationally renowned platforms such as COMPUTEX and SEMICON, and welcomed Thai parties to utilize these platforms to visit Taiwan and study related policies and industrial development experiences. Furthermore, the representative office established the 'Taiwan-Thailand Technology Talent Service Platform' in December last year to assist with talent needs following the localization of high-tech investments.

On Thailand's competitiveness in semiconductor development, Lan analyzed that Thailand already possesses a complete manufacturing ecosystem, particularly with a strong foundation in the automotive and recent electric vehicle industries, along with convenient transportation, giving it inherent advantages in manufacturing.

However, he pointed out that the key to the new wave of high-tech competition lies not only in manufacturing foundations but also in talent and partnership. 'From the perspectives of diversified development, technology exchange, training, and willingness to cooperate, Taiwan is a valuable and important partner,' he concluded. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150616