Thailand targets US$80B in semiconductor investment by 2050

Thailand has approved its first national semiconductor and advanced electronics strategy, targeting approximately US$80 billion in cumulative investment, US$150 billion in annual industry revenue and more than 230,000 new jobs by 2050. The initiative aims to position the country as a higher-value manufacturing hub within the global semiconductor supply chain.

Announced on September 24, 2026, the strategy establishes a long-term framework for developing Thailand's domestic semiconductor ecosystem, covering chip research and design, wafer fabrication, advanced packaging, assembly and testing, and high-value electronics applications.

Approved by the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the roadmap supports Thailand's ambition to develop locally manufactured semiconductor technologies under its "Made in Thailand" chip initiative.

"This is Thailand's first comprehensive national framework for building semiconductor capabilities and moving the country into higher-value activities across the global supply chain," said Ekniti. "It gives investors a clear view of our technology priorities, infrastructure commitments and workforce-development plan through 2050."

Three-Phase Development Strategy

The roadmap outlines three development phases designed to progressively expand Thailand's semiconductor capabilities.

By 2030, the country aims to reinforce its existing semiconductor assembly and testing operations, expand advanced packaging capacity and establish the foundations for front-end wafer manufacturing.

The second phase, extending to 2040, will focus on attracting major investors in upstream semiconductor activities, including chip design, wafer fabrication and advanced manufacturing technologies.

By 2050, Thailand intends to establish a more complete domestic semiconductor supply chain, with local companies playing greater roles in technology development, innovation and high-value production.

The strategy identifies three priority technology areas: photonics, power semiconductors and sensors.

Photonics development will support growing demand from artificial intelligence, data centers and high-speed communications. Power semiconductor investments will target electric vehicles, energy storage and electrical infrastructure, while sensor development will build on Thailand's existing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) capabilities for automotive, industrial automation, smart devices and medical applications.

Investment and Workforce Development

Implementation will be supported by investment incentives, financing programs, research infrastructure, industrial facilities and regulatory reforms designed to attract international semiconductor manufacturers and encourage domestic supplier development.

The government also plans to expand cooperation among universities, research institutions and industry partners to address growing demand for specialized semiconductor talent.

Under the national workforce development program, Thailand aims to train 86,600 people by 2030, including approximately 84,900 highly skilled professionals and 1,700 advanced researchers.

The initiative will include specialized education programs, industrial placements, overseas training and professional development for technical instructors and researchers.

Investment activity has already demonstrated growing interest in Thailand's semiconductor and electronics sectors.

According to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the country received 879 investment-promotion applications for semiconductor and advanced electronics projects between 2023 and the first half of 2026, representing approximately US$27.2 billion (909 billion baht) in proposed investment.

These projects cover semiconductor production, printed circuit boards, hard disk drives, AI servers, networking equipment, power-management systems and electronic components for automotive and industrial applications.

Expanding the Semiconductor Manufacturing Ecosystem

International manufacturers are contributing to Thailand's expanding semiconductor ecosystem.

Infineon Technologies announced plans for its first manufacturing facility in Samut Prakan, focusing on advanced power modules for electric vehicles, energy storage, renewable energy and industrial electronics. The project also includes plans for research and development activities, cooperation with Thai educational institutions and more than 5,000 jobs at full operation.

Other companies involved in Thailand's electronics and semiconductor ecosystem include Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Analog Devices, Zhen Ding Technology, Terahop and Malaysian Pacific Industries.

The national strategy also emphasizes reliable utilities, clean energy, industrial infrastructure and supply chain resilience as important considerations for future semiconductor investment.

"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 to turn this ambition into reality," said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment.

"For semiconductor investors, specialized talent is as critical to site selection as infrastructure and incentives. The strategy is also designed to provide a dependable workforce pipeline for faster ramp-up and long-term expansion."

The roadmap signals Thailand's intention to move beyond its established electronics manufacturing base and compete for higher-value semiconductor investments. Its success will depend on attracting technology partners, developing skilled talent and establishing the infrastructure required to support increasingly sophisticated chip manufacturing operations.