Thailand proposes AI-powered permit service for data centres
Google expressed interest in the proposal as talks with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also covered investment rules and AI skills training.
An AI-based service to handle data centre permits was among the proposals Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul raised with Google executive Ruth Porat on November 5. Their meeting covered further data centre investment in Thailand and the expansion of artificial intelligence training.
Anutin suggested bringing permit applications and approvals into a one-stop service supported by AI. Google said it had projects with similar applications and indicated that it wanted to be an early corporate supporter of the proposed service.
Water and electricity regulations were another focus, with Google offering ideas for changes to laws and rules to facilitate investment. Anutin said resource management needed to be balanced with conditions allowing businesses to operate sustainably. Google also reaffirmed its investment commitment to Thailand and continued cooperation with government agencies.
Cooperation on the AI for All Thais initiative formed part of the discussions. The programme aims to broaden access to AI skills nationwide, and the government wants its training to enable practical uses in agriculture, healthcare, education and daily life and work.
Separately, the two sides explored ways to strengthen digital skills and access to future employment opportunities. Anutin said digital investment should contribute to clean energy use, environmental responsibility and workforce development. He and Porat had previously held discussions in New York in September.
