Picture courtesy of: Wikipedia Commons

 

TikTok has announced a strategic investment of 300 billion baht over the next five years to develop Thailand into a leading ASEAN technology hub. This significant investment plan was revealed during a meeting on February 28 between TikTok's Vice-President of Public Policy, Helena Lersch, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, according to Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.

 

Helena Lersch praised the Thai government for its supportive stance towards TikTok’s operational presence, highlighting policies that have facilitated investment. She confirmed TikTok's ongoing commitment to collaborating with the government in driving Thailand into the digital era.

 

The plan includes developing a robust technology infrastructure, featuring the establishment of a data hosting centre aimed at enhancing data management for users in Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region. This initiative is expected to position Thailand as a central tech hub within ASEAN.

 

During the discussions, the government emphasised the importance of bolstering media literacy. Prime Minister Paetongtarn expressed readiness to work closely with TikTok in combating fake news and online scams. TikTok executives outlined their commitment to collaborate on content monitoring and launch initiatives promoting digital literacy, aiming to elevate awareness of online security and consumer protection.

This partnership marks a pivotal move towards strengthening public-private collaboration in the digital era, significantly contributing to Thailand’s economic development. Paetongtarn thanked TikTok for its planned investment in a local data centre and praised the company's efforts to showcase Thai products globally via the TikTok Shop platform.

 

Additionally, TikTok's initiatives in promoting Thai culture and tourism have opened doors for Thai entrepreneurs and content creators on international stages. With over 50 million users in Thailand, and more than three million accounts leveraging TikTok Shop, including that of the Thai prime minister, Lersch highlighted TikTok's substantial local employment footprint, which exceeds 1,000 staff members.

 

The Thai prime minister applauded TikTok's success and its role in connecting people and fostering creativity, thus supporting the national economy. He acknowledged the platform's impact not only as a source of entertainment but also as a critical player in job creation and cultural exchange, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-03

 

 

Quid Pro Quo.

Late January it was 126 billion investment... Wonder why it is now over double ?

The surveillance and control grid is coming to Thailand too...

 

300 billion baht is a pretty good bribe for 40 refugees. 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn expressed readiness to work closely with TikTok in combating fake news and online scams.

 

But most of Tik Tok is fake.?

25 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

300 billion baht is a pretty good bribe for 40 refugees. 

 

Yes, Thailand new number 1 export. Highly profitable.

 

Although I'm questioning the nearly 9 BILLION USD (over five years) figure.

 

Sounds like an NFL contract, without the signing bonus.

Tiktok is the absolute worst. May it burn in hell

5 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

Quid Pro Quo.

Quid share share