Report on Thailand’s Sustainable AI Infrastructure Development and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary

This report analyzes Thailand’s emergence as a key hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The nation’s strategy is characterized by a dual focus on attracting large-scale data center investments and integrating renewable energy solutions. This approach directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, economic growth, and climate action. The analysis highlights how public-private partnerships and government incentives are creating a green digital ecosystem, positioning Thailand as a leader in sustainable technological development.

Strategic Infrastructure Development for Innovation and Economic Growth

Thailand’s national strategy, including the Thailand 4.0 initiative and the government’s 2025 revised framework, prioritizes digital transformation. This has catalyzed significant investment in data center infrastructure, which is fundamental to achieving SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by building resilient and sustainable digital foundations.

Key Investment Drivers and Projects

• Government Incentives: The Board of Investment (BOI) offers a suite of incentives within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), including tax exemptions and expedited permits, attracting global technology firms.
• Major Investments: By 2025, the EEC is projected to attract $6.5 billion in infrastructure investment. In the first half of 2025 alone, Thailand secured over $16.1 billion from 28 data center projects.
• Corporate Partnerships: Industry leaders such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services are establishing a significant presence.
• Landmark Projects: Galaxy Data Center’s $2 billion expansion in Rayong exemplifies the integration of green energy solutions to support AI development, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating high-value jobs and fostering a robust digital economy.

Commitment to Clean Energy and Climate Action

To power its growing digital sector, Thailand is aggressively pursuing renewable energy integration, directly aligning with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action. The government’s revised Power Development Plan (PDP) aims for 50% of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2037.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

1. Capacity Expansion: A local power company is set to add 900 megawatts of new renewable capacity (solar, wind, hydroelectric) by 2025.
2. Green Tariffs: The Utility Green Tariff (UGT) program, launching in late 2024, will enable industrial users to procure certified renewable energy, with a specific tariff targeting 100% green energy supply.
3. International Partnerships: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a $26.8 million green loan for the GSA Data Center 01 in Samut Prakan, Thailand’s first environmentally certified data center.

Case Study: GSA Data Center 01

The ADB-backed facility serves as a model for sustainable digital infrastructure. Its features directly support Thailand’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

• Energy Efficiency: Achieves a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.4.
• Green Certification: Holds a LEED Gold certification.
• Renewable Procurement: Offers tenants renewable energy certificates and direct green power procurement options.

Advancing Responsible Consumption and Production Patterns

Thailand’s strategy extends beyond energy sources to encompass broader sustainability practices, reflecting a commitment to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Sustainable Operational Practices

1. Advanced Cooling: Data centers are adopting liquid cooling and AI-driven climate control systems to optimize energy efficiency in a tropical climate.
2. Circular Economy: Emphasis is placed on circular practices, including hardware refurbishment and comprehensive e-waste management to minimize environmental impact.
3. Green Industry Incentives: The government’s Investment Promotion Strategy (2023–2028) provides VAT exemptions to green industries, including data centers, to encourage sustainable development.

Challenges and the Path Forward through Partnerships

Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including the high electricity and water consumption inherent in data center operations. Addressing these issues requires continued investment in efficiency technologies and renewable energy capacity. The government’s proactive and collaborative approach, which embodies the principles of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, is crucial. Continued cooperation between public bodies, private sector innovators, and international financial institutions will be essential for overcoming these hurdles and maintaining a sustainable growth trajectory.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Thailand’s AI infrastructure and renewable energy integration connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis reveals a strong link to the following goals:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The article extensively discusses Thailand’s commitment to renewable energy. It highlights the government’s revised Power Development Plan (PDP) aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2037, the plan to add 900 megawatts of new renewable capacity, and the Utility Green Tariff (UGT) program to promote the use of certified renewable sources. This directly addresses the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The development of a digital and AI hub is presented as a major driver of economic growth. The article mentions attracting over “$16.1 billion in data center investments,” boosting the digital economy, and generating “high-value jobs,” which aligns with the goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This is a central theme of the article. It details the development of resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure, specifically green data centers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The focus on AI development, advanced cooling technologies, and circular economy practices showcases a commitment to fostering innovation and building sustainable industrialization.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The article explicitly links infrastructure development with Thailand’s climate goals. It mentions the country’s aim to “reduce carbon emissions by 30%” by 2030 and achieve “carbon neutrality goals by 2050.” The integration of renewable energy and the focus on energy-efficient data centers (e.g., LEED Gold certification) are presented as key strategies to combat climate change.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration. It highlights public-private partnerships between the Thai government (through the Board of Investment) and global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Furthermore, it points to international cooperation through the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) provision of a green loan, demonstrating a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The article directly supports this target by stating that Thailand’s revised Power Development Plan “aims for 50% renewable energy by 2037” and that a local power company plans to add “900 megawatts of new renewable capacity by 2025.”
2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • The entire article focuses on this target, describing the strategic development of data centers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to create a “regional digital hub” and support the AI economy.
3. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
   • This is evidenced by the mention of data centers adopting “advanced cooling technologies,” achieving a low “power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.4,” obtaining “LEED Gold certification,” and implementing “circular economy practices, including hardware refurbishment and e-waste management.”
4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • The article shows this integration through the government’s “revised Power Development Plan (PDP),” the “Investment Promotion Strategy (2023–2028)” which grants VAT exemptions to green industries, and the establishment of national goals for carbon reduction (30% by 2030) and carbon neutrality (by 2050).
5. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
   • The article provides clear examples of such partnerships, including collaborations between the Thai government and private companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as international financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a green data center.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 7.2: The share of renewable energy. The article provides specific metrics: the goal of “50% renewable energy by 2037” and the addition of “900 megawatts of new renewable capacity by 2025.”
• Indicator for Target 9.1: Total investment in infrastructure. The article quantifies this with figures like “$16.1 billion in data center investments from 28 projects” and a projected “$6.5 billion infrastructure boom by 2025” in the EEC.
• Indicator for Target 9.4: Measures of energy and resource efficiency. The article mentions a “power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.4” and “LEED Gold certification” for the GSA Data Center 01, which are standard industry metrics for sustainable infrastructure.
• Indicator for Target 13.2: National greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The article specifies Thailand’s commitment to “reduce carbon emissions by 30%” by 2030 and achieve “carbon neutrality goals by 2050.”
• Indicator for Target 17.17: Value of public-private partnerships and international financial commitments. The article provides concrete financial figures, such as the Asian Development Bank’s “$26.8 million green loan” and Galaxy Data Center’s “$2 billion expansion.”

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ainvest.com