Thailand and Google target greener data centres

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-centre standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an Open Data institute to improve Thai digital skills.

The meeting took place at Google's Pier 57 office at 9am New York time on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, according to government spokesman Ekkaphop Pheanphiset.

Anutin, who is also Interior Minister, met Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google. The Thai government said it is ready to work with Google on standards for data centres that are environmentally responsible and contribute to surrounding communities.

Google investment in Chonburi and Bangkok

The Prime Minister thanked Google for its confidence and investment in Thailand, referring to the company's US$1 billion investment plan - about 36 billion baht - for a data centre in Chonburi and a Google Cloud Region in Bangkok.

He said the government was prepared to facilitate the projects so they can proceed smoothly and according to schedule.

Anutin said Thailand wanted the relationship to extend beyond infrastructure investment, particularly into artificial intelligence, digital-skills development and the country's transition to a digital economy.

Google has already invested in the Eastern Economic Corridor in Chonburi, where it is building a data centre, Porat said. She said the project places importance on environmentally friendly standards and benefits for neighbouring communities.

Focus on power, water and communities

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Anutin stressed that data centres are important infrastructure for the digital economy and AI. Their development must therefore go hand in hand with sustainability, including energy efficiency, water management and care for local communities.

Thailand is open to Google's knowledge, technology and experience to help improve approaches and standards for environmentally friendly data centres in the country, he said.

Open Data institute planned

Porat also said Google plans to open an Open Data institute to promote workforce development, including high-quality digital skills. The initiative is intended to create opportunities for Thai people and Thai start-ups.

Google confirmed that it intends to remain a long-term partner of Thailand, the government spokesman said.

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25 September 2026