Google and Thailand discuss data centre investment and AI skills
Ruth Porat met Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss water and power rules and a proposal to use AI at every stage of data centre permit applications.
- Google and Thailand's Prime Minister discussed encouraging data centre investment, including potential changes to regulations on water and electricity use and a proposed AI-powered one-stop service for permits.
- The Thai government is seeking cooperation with Google on its "AI for All Thais" initiative, which aims to develop AI skills in local communities across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education.
- During the meeting, Thailand's government stressed that any data centre investment must be environmentally conscious, prioritizing the use of clean energy and sustainable resource management.
Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, met Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s prime minister and interior minister, to review progress on investment in the country and discuss cooperation on digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
Ekkapob Pianpises, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the meeting followed Anutin’s talks with Alphabet and Google executives in New York, United States, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in September 2026.
Google reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Thailand and said it had continued to coordinate with Thai agencies.
Water and electricity rules for data centres
The two sides discussed ways to encourage data centre investment in Thailand.
Google gave its views on possible changes to the relevant laws and regulations, particularly the rules on water and electricity use.
Both are key resources for data centre operations.
Anutin said the government attached importance to investment that took environmental considerations into account and to the use of clean energy.
It would set rules that took the interests of all parties into account so investment could proceed while Thailand managed its resources sustainably.
AI proposed for one-stop permit service
Anutin also discussed a proposal for a one-stop service to handle applications for permits to operate data centres.
The proposal would use AI at every stage to make the process more efficient and easier for investors.
Google expressed interest and said it already had a similar AI project. It also expressed its commitment to being among the first companies to serve as a model for others considering data centre investment in Thailand.
AI for All Thais to build skills in local communities
The government is ready to promote cooperation with Google through AI for All Thais to develop AI skills in local communities across agriculture, social affairs, healthcare and education.
The programme aims to help community members, farmers, employees, school pupils and other students use AI and digital technology at work and in daily life.
Anutin thanked Google for its confidence in investing in Thailand.
He reiterated that the government was ready to work with the company to advance digital investment while protecting the environment, making appropriate use of resources and developing skills among Thai people.
Google plans US$15 billion investment in Malaysia
Before travelling to Thailand, Porat visited Malaysia, where Google announced plans to invest US$15 billion in 2027 and 2028 to expand its data centre capacity for cloud and AI services.
The plan also includes adding more than 1 gigawatt of clean power capacity.
Google also aims to help 800,000 people in Malaysia develop their skills by 2031 through new programmes covering four areas, alongside the expansion of the country’s digital infrastructure.
