On July 27, the Thai Cabinet approved the country’s first National Big Data Strategy, aiming to position big data and artificial intelligence (AI) as foundations for future economic growth and international competitiveness.
The strategy sets out a comprehensive framework for public sector data management, digital transformation, and workforce development to ensure Thailand’s readiness for the digital economy.
According to Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Government Spokesperson, the strategy comprises four main areas: 1) building national data infrastructure—including Government Cloud, Government Data Catalog, and National Big Data Platform; 2) promoting big data use in essential sectors such as health, tourism, environment, agriculture, and trade; 3) advancing AI applications and Thai language AI model development; and 4) upskilling at least 160,000 people in big data and AI by 2030.
The government has set ambitious targets: by 2030, big data should contribute to no less than 35% economic value growth, and Thailand aims to be ranked in the world’s top 25 for big data utilization, said Lalida.
Market experts see immediate impact on multiple industries. Koraphat Vorachet of Krungsri Securities (KSS) highlights beneficiaries in three groups: infrastructure and energy (notably GULF, GPSC, BGRIM, and STPI); data storage and cybersecurity providers (BBIK, BE8, and SECURE); and government data management system specialists like DITTO. The action plan is expected to stimulate investment across digital infrastructure, data storage, and cybersecurity, benefiting Thailand’s digital economy.
Suwat Sinsadok of Globlex Securities added that companies in infrastructure and energy (GULF, BGRIM, WHA), technology and software (BBIK, BE8), state enterprises (PTT, AOT, THAI), and financial institutions (KTB, BBL, KBANK, SCB) are poised to invest heavily to stay competitive and comply with these digital policies.
He underscored the role of government policy in generating sector demand, noting historical parallels with previous strategic industries. The accelerated transition, according to Suwat, will likely trigger further technology adoption and broader opportunities for startups and component suppliers.
Yuanta Securities (Thailand) expects the move to lift sentiment for SKY, PIS, BBIK, and SIS, with solid tailwinds for digital infrastructure and tech investment.
