Are there other related digital infrastructure projects planned by the government?

Yes, the government is also investing in establishing Digital Park Thailand. This new digital business economic zone has just been approved along the Eastern Economic Corridor.

Telecom

Thailand plans to build Bangkok-China-Hong Kong cable

By Maria SantosChina

1 min readUpdated May 27, 2025Apr 24, 20175:37 AM

In this article (5)

The Thai government is eager to build a new subsea cable linking China, Bangkok and Hong Kong, as part of the efforts to transform Thailand into Southeast Asia’s digital hub.

The Digital Economy and Society ministry is drawing up a master plan for the cable project, and lso aims to attract foreign investors to the project.

According to the report, the government is currently in the process of identifying a marine route for the planned cable system.

Thai cabinet has approved a 5 billion baht ($145.5 million) investment in the system. The investment will be handled by state-owned operator CAT Telecom via the Neutral Gateway Network & Data Center project.

Investment in the cable forms part of the government’s Thailand 4.0 strategy, which aims to transform the nation’s economy with a focus on digitally-enabled innovation and establish the nation as a digital hub for the wider region.

As part of this project, the government is also investing in establishing Digital Park Thailand, a planned new digital business economic zone, and has just approved the establishment of he facility along the Eastern Economic Corridor.

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What this means

This substantial Thai government investment in a new subsea cable is a bold move to establish the country as Southeast Asia's digital hub, directly impacting regional data traffic flows. Unlike Panpuri's store expansion, which involves private capital, this is state-led infrastructure designed to attract foreign investment. While ambitious, the project faces pressure from existing regional connectivity and potential geopolitical complexities given the China-Hong Kong link. Its success hinges on effective implementation and securing the promised foreign investment. This strategy significantly pressures regional rivals vying for similar digital hub status. Retailers should monitor the Digital Park Thailand's development and foreign investment announcements for concrete progress.

Maria Santos · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the primary objective of building this new subsea cable system?

The main goal is to help transform Thailand into Southeast Asia’s digital hub. This project is part of the government's wider Thailand 4.0 strategy, which focuses on digitally-enabled innovation.

Which government entity is managing the master plan for the cable project?

The Digital Economy and Society ministry is currently developing the master plan for the cable project. They are also aiming to attract foreign investors to participate in the initiative.

How much investment has the Thai cabinet approved for the cable system?

The Thai cabinet has approved a 5 billion baht ($145.5 million) investment for the system. This funding will be managed by the state-owned operator CAT Telecom.

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