Bangkok: The Board of Investment (BOI) is rapidly advancing the development of Thailand's printed circuit board (PCB) and electronics industry to embrace semiconductors and smart electronics, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for high-tech industries.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narut Teodsathirasak, Secretary-General of the BOI, addressed the BOI Forum 2026 at the Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2026 (THECA 2026). He noted that the surge in AI and digital technology is transforming industrial structures, with increased demand for semiconductors, PCBs, and advanced electronics. This transformation presents an opportunity for Thailand to modernize its manufacturing base. In the first half of 2026, actual investment reached over 535.8 billion baht, marking a 27 percent increase. Investments in AI-related sectors, such as optical transceivers, PCBs, and digital infrastructure, accounted for over 127 billion baht, nearly half of the total investment.
To capitalize on these opportunities, the BOI has outlined three strategic focuses: enhancing the smart electronics industry ecosystem, upgrading the industrial base to smart and sustainable industries, and transforming investments to boost national capabilities through human resource development.
Mr. David Bergman, Vice President of International Relations at the International Electronics Institute, highlighted the global electronics industry's shift driven by AI growth and supply chain restructuring. He emphasized that future competition will hinge on the industrial ecosystem rather than production capacity. Bergman advised Thailand to leverage its strengths by enhancing its automotive manufacturing base, electronic circuit board production, and supplier networks, transitioning to higher-value activities like design and system integration. This strategy should be supported by investments in human resource development and engineering knowledge to fortify Thailand's role in the smart electronics industry of the future.