Thailand and Vietnam see shifts in tech and automotive investments

In Thailand, academic experts from Thammasat University are calling for the Data Center Policy Committee to establish a clear regulatory framework. They suggest the potential creation of a specific Data Center Act to reduce legal complexity and provide clarity for investors regarding costs and benefits. The expert emphasizes the need for sustainability standards, such as green data center guidelines, and systematic data collection on resource usage, including electricity, water, and greenhouse gas emissions. There is also a push to increase local content requirements to ensure the industry integrates Thai suppliers into the global supply chain.

Meanwhile, Toyota has increased its investment in Vietnam, raising the total project budget to $373 million. The funds are directed toward upgrading its factory in Phu Tho to serve as a new hybrid vehicle production hub for the ASEAN region. This move follows government requests to localize hybrid production to lower costs. The expansion aims to increase the use of domestic parts and develop local management talent, aligning with Vietnam's economic goals to boost the automotive industry's local component ratio.