Thailand Sees Foreign Investment Surge to 71.7 Billion Baht in Early 2024
2024年初泰國外資飆升至717億泰銖
A robust wave of foreign investment hit Thailand in the first five months of 2024, with 317 foreign companies receiving approval under the Foreign Business Act. The total investment reached 71,702 million baht, marking a 58 percent increase in value and a 16 percent rise in volume compared to the same period in 2023. Japan led with 84 projects worth 40,214 million baht, followed by Singapore (51 projects, 5,189 million baht), the United States (50 projects, 1,196 million baht), China (38 projects, 5,485 million baht), and Hong Kong (28 projects, 12,048 million baht). Notably, 99 foreign investors targeted the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), contributing 18,224 million baht, or 25 percent of the total foreign investment during this period.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Polpornklang attributed the upward trend to Thailand’s potential and investor confidence, bolstered by government efforts to attract leading global companies. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) reported a 31 percent increase in investment promotion applications in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 228,207 million baht (USD 6.2 billion). From January to March 2024, 724 project applications were filed, a 94 percent increase from the previous year, with 460 projects involving foreign investment. The electronics and electrical appliances industry saw the highest investment applications, followed by automotive and parts, petrochemicals and chemicals, digital, and agriculture and food processing sectors.
小編點評：2024年初，泰國外資大幅飆升，總額達717億泰銖，這得益於投資者信心增加和政府吸引全球企業的舉措。電子、汽車和石化等關鍵行業領導了投資申請，反映出泰國作為國際商業擴展戰略中心的吸引力。
Thai Exports Surge by 7.2% in May 2024, Forecasted to Sustain Growth Through 2025
2024年5月泰國出口激增7.2%，預計將持續增長至2025年
Thai exports in May 2024 experienced a notable 7.2% increase compared to the previous year, driven primarily by agricultural product exports, especially fruits to China. This growth contributed to a trade surplus as imports decreased, marking the first contraction in four consecutive months. Despite the positive year-over-year growth, exports excluding gold and base effects contracted by -1.3% compared to the previous month. Exports to China and India saw significant increases, while those to Australia and the Middle East declined. The decrease in imports was primarily in vehicles and capital goods, although raw materials and consumer goods imports expanded.
SCB EIC projects continued export growth in June and throughout the second half of 2024, with an anticipated positive growth rate of 2.6% for the entire year. This growth is supported by a strengthening global economy, improved manufacturing sector performance, and favorable export product prices. Looking ahead to 2025, similar growth is expected, influenced by global economic conditions and trade volume projections. However, potential risks such as political outcomes and trade conflicts may affect the export growth potential.
小編點評：：2024年5月，泰國出口激增7.2%，主要由農產品尤其是對中國水果出口強勁推動，從而在進口減少的情況下形成了有利的貿易順差。儘管剔除黃金的出口環比略有收縮，但在全球經濟強勁和有利出口價格的支持下，總體前景仍然樂觀，預計增長將持續至2025年。然而，政治不確定性和貿易緊張等風險可能會影響未來的出口表現。
AI Expected to Have Limited Impact on Thai Employment but Skills in High Demand
人工智慧預計對泰國就業影響有限，但技能需求高
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to have a limited impact on employment in Thailand, with less than 4% of employees in the service sector at high risk of being replaced by the technology, according to a report by Kasikorn Research Center. Despite the low risk of job displacement, AI skills are becoming increasingly important in the Thai workforce. A survey by Microsoft and LinkedIn found that 74% of Thai business leaders would not hire candidates without AI skills, and employers are willing to pay at least 41% more to workers with AI expertise, underscoring the high value placed on AI proficiency.
The survey also revealed that 92% of knowledge workers in Thailand currently use AI at work, with 81% employing AI tools of their choice. Furthermore, 91% of Thai business leaders believe that their companies need to adopt AI to remain competitive. In response to this trend, 90% of Thai leaders expressed a preference for candidates with AI skills over those with more work experience. The findings highlight the growing importance of AI skills in the Thai job market and the necessity for businesses to adapt to technological advancements to maintain competitiveness.
小編點評：根據泰國開泰研究中心的研究，人工智慧（AI）對泰國就業的影響預計將很小，只有不到4%的服務業工作面臨高風險的自動化。儘管如此，AI技能在泰國勞動力市場越來越重要，一項調查顯示，74%的企業領導人優先考慮聘用具備AI專業知識的候選人。這突顯了雇主對AI技能的巨大需求，他們願意為精通AI技術的專業人士提供更高的薪酬。
World Bank Urges Thailand to Invest in Infrastructure and Green Economy for Sustained Growth
世界銀行敦促泰國投資基礎設施和綠色經濟以實現持續增長
The World Bank has advised the Thai government to boost investment in ageing infrastructure and the green economy to drive the country’s economic potential beyond the forecasted 2.7% medium-term growth. The bank projects Thai GDP growth at 2.4% in 2024 and 2.8% in 2025, emphasizing that revitalizing infrastructure and enhancing the green economy could elevate growth. Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, a senior economist for Thailand at the World Bank, noted that Thailand’s potential growth for 2023-2030 is estimated at 2.7%, lower than previous decades due to an aging population and subdued productivity growth. He highlighted the importance of public investment in secondary cities and fiscal reforms to stimulate long-term growth and support vulnerable households.
Despite concerns about reconciling fiscal sustainability and short-term stimulus, the World Bank suggests that Thailand has room to increase tax revenue and create fiscal space. The government’s planned digital wallet initiative, if implemented, could enhance near-term growth but also impact fiscal and inflationary pressures. Public debt is expected to rise to 64.6% of GDP by fiscal 2025 and potentially reach 68.6% by 2028 due to increased spending needs. However, Mr. Kiatipong indicated that fiscal reforms and targeted social assistance could effectively support economic recovery, with the Bank of Thailand likely maintaining its policy rate in the absence of significant inflationary pressure.
小編點評：世界銀行建議泰國優先投資基礎設施和綠色經濟，以促進經濟增長，超越2024年2.4%和2025年2.8%的預測增長率。強調泰國到2030年的增長潛力，世界銀行指出，振興老化基礎設施和實施財政改革對於支持長期經濟韌性至關重要。儘管支出增加引發了對財政可持續性的擔憂，但世界銀行建議通過增加稅收和有針對性的社會援助來應對經濟挑戰。
Microsoft Announces Major Investments in Cloud and AI Infrastructure for Thailand
微軟宣布對泰國的雲端和AI基礎設施進行重大投資
Microsoft has unveiled significant commitments to build new cloud and AI infrastructure in Thailand, provide AI skilling opportunities for over 100,000 people, and support the nation’s growing developer community. This announcement, made by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at the Microsoft Build: AI Day event in Bangkok, aims to align with Thailand’s “Ignite Thailand” vision for 2030, which seeks to position the country as a regional digital economy hub. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasized the importance of this partnership for innovation and growth in his special address at the event.
As part of its commitments, Microsoft plans to establish a new datacenter region in Thailand to expand its hyperscale cloud services, enhance AI proficiency among the workforce, and support various sectors, including tourism and public health. Additionally, initiatives like AI Odyssey aim to help 6,000 Thai developers become AI experts. The collaboration extends to major Thai organizations such as AIS, NHSO, SCBX, and the Office of the Council of State, showcasing the transformative potential of AI across different industries. These efforts are expected to significantly boost Thailand’s economic and technological landscape, positioning the country for sustained growth and innovation.
小編點評：微軟宣布對泰國進行重大投資，包括建立新的數據中心區域以及培訓超過10萬名AI技能人才的計劃。這些舉措與泰國2030年成為區域數位經濟中心的願景相一致，推動各行各業的創新和經濟增長。
Taiwan and Thailand Sign Investment Pact, First Under President Lai Ching-te
賴清德總統上任後首項台灣與泰國簽署投資協議
Taiwan announced a significant investment pact with Thailand on Friday, marking the first agreement of its kind since President Lai Ching-te took office in May. This agreement aims to enhance commercial and economic ties between the two nations amidst growing global supply chain shifts. Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations highlighted Thailand as a key destination for Taiwanese investments, particularly in the electronics and electrical components sectors. The deal, signed by Taiwan’s de facto Ambassador to Thailand, Chang Chun-Fu, and Thai counterpart Narong Boonsatheanwong, emphasizes improved investment transparency and dispute resolution mechanisms, reflecting Taiwan’s increasing investment importance and a strategic pivot away from China.
This pact is part of Taiwan’s broader New Southbound Policy, initiated in 2016 under President Tsai Ing-wen, aiming to diversify economic ties away from China. Thailand is now the fifth country to formalize such an agreement with Taiwan under this policy, joining the ranks of the Philippines, India, Vietnam, and Canada. The new agreement promises enhanced protection and support for Taiwanese investors, updating a previous 1996 pact. Since the policy’s inception, Taiwan-Thailand bilateral trade and investment have surged significantly, with trade growing by 74.6% and investment by 119.8%, underscoring the strategic and economic importance of this renewed partnership.
小編點評：台灣與泰國簽署了一項重要的投資協議，旨在加強經濟和商業關係，這是賴清德總統上任後的首項此類協議。該協議著重於增強透明度和糾紛解決機制，反映出台灣在新南向政策下戰略性地轉向多元化經濟夥伴關係，不再單一依賴中國。此協議凸顯泰國作為台灣投資的重要目的地，特別是在電子和電氣元件等高科技領域。
Vietnam’s Q2 GDP Growth Accelerates to 6.93%, But Inflation Risks Loom
越南第二季度GDP增長加速至6.93%，但通脹風險隱現
Vietnam’s economy saw accelerated growth in the second quarter of 2024, with GDP expanding by 6.93% year-on-year, up from 5.87% in the first quarter, driven by robust exports, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). The economy grew by 6.42% in the first half of the year, supported by a 14.5% rise in exports and a 10.9% increase in industrial production. Despite this positive trend, Vietnam faces significant challenges, including external risks and uncertainties, as it aims to achieve its annual growth target of 6.0%-6.5%.
However, rising inflation remains a pressing concern, with consumer prices in June climbing 4.32% from a year earlier, approaching the government’s ceiling of 4.5%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Vietnam’s economic growth to be close to 6% in 2024, supported by strong external demand and resilient foreign investment, but warns of high downside risks. Inflation pressures are compounded by recent government decisions to raise base salaries for state employees and pensions for retirees, which are expected to further impact the inflation rate. The GSO emphasized the need for close monitoring of price movements and adjustments in key service prices to manage inflation effectively.
小編點評：2024年第二季度，越南GDP增長加速至6.93%，受益於強勁的出口和工業生產。儘管增長強勁，但通脹風險仍然存在，接近政府設定的4.5%上限，促使經濟進行謹慎的監控和調整。
Vietnam Liberalizes Direct Purchase of Green Electricity, Aiming to Boost Renewable Energy Investment
越南放寬綠色電力直接購買，旨在促進可再生能源投資
Vietnam is gradually allowing businesses to directly purchase green electricity from power producers, aiming to stimulate the renewable energy sector and attract investment. The government is reviewing a draft decree on direct power purchase agreements (DPPA) for large power users, which has garnered significant interest from foreign enterprises. The DPPA draft outlines two forms of agreements: direct supply, where prices are negotiated between parties, and indirect supply, which uses the national grid and is subject to spot market prices and additional fees. However, the draft targets large users with a minimum monthly consumption of 500,000 kWh, excluding smaller-scale producers and dampening investment enthusiasm in rooftop solar and biomass power.
In a bid to make green energy more accessible, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha announced plans to allow local rooftop solar, waste-to-energy, and biomass power to bypass Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and be accessible through DPPA. This move aligns with Vietnam’s National Power Development Plan (PDP8), which does not impose scale limits on renewable energy projects. With over 103,000 rooftop solar projects currently installed and an additional 2,600 MW planned by 2030, the inclusion of smaller projects in the DPPA framework could spark a significant increase in installations and help businesses meet green certification requirements for exports.
小編點評：：越南正推動改革，允許企業直接購買綠色電力，以促進可再生能源投資。關於直接電力購買協議（DPPA）的草案初步針對大型用戶，但計劃擴展至屋頂太陽能和生物質能等小規模生產者。此舉與越南多元化能源來源和提高可持續性目標一致，可能促進全國範圍內的可再生能源安裝激增。
Vietnam’s First AI-Generated Sci-Fi Film Released for Free
越南首部AI生成科幻電影免費上映
Director Phạm Vĩnh Khương has released “Chạm,” Vietnam’s first entirely AI-generated and mobile phone-captured sci-fi film, free of charge. The groundbreaking film features stunning visual effects and an evocative sound design, all crafted using AI tools on a mobile device. Set in a dystopian world on the brink of apocalypse, “Chạm” explores themes of domestic violence and human connections, delivering a profound message about love and community amidst turmoil.
Khương’s ambitious project, which took 3,000 hours to produce, aims to inspire aspiring filmmakers by demonstrating the power of minimal resources and AI technology. By offering “Chạm” for free, the director encourages viewers to reflect on essential values like empathy, connection, and mutual care within family relationships. This non-profit venture not only optimizes production costs but also seeks to foster a positive and cohesive community through impactful storytelling.
小編點評：由導演范永康製作的越南首部AI生成科幻電影《Chạm》現已免費上映，展示了突破性的視覺效果和關於人類韌性的感人故事。該電影完全使用AI工具在移動設備上製作，探索了愛與社區在社會動盪中的主題，旨在通過創新方法激勵電影製作人和觀眾。
Electric Vehicles Boost Green Transportation Efforts in Indonesia: An ESG Perspective
電動車推動印尼綠色交通：環境、社會與治理（ESG）視角
Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to combat climate change through the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) as a key solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from the transportation sector. With Indonesia being one of the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions in the world, the adoption of EVs is crucial to mitigate environmental impact. EVs operate without fossil fuels, significantly lowering CO2 emissions and contributing to improved air quality, a pressing issue in cities like Jakarta. Government initiatives, such as President Regulation No. 55/2019 and new subsidies planned for 2025, aim to accelerate EV adoption, targeting 2.5 million users by 2025 and a 29% reduction in air pollution by 2030.
From a social perspective, the shift to EVs benefits not only public health but also supports drivers in transportation services like Grab and Gojek. These drivers receive subsidies and reduced operational costs, easing financial burdens compared to traditional motorbikes. Moreover, governance aspects are bolstered through supportive policies that incentivize EV purchases and expand charging infrastructure nationwide, though challenges like limited charging stations and regulatory oversight for electric bicycles remain. Through an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) lens, Indonesia’s embrace of EVs underscores its commitment to sustainable development, aiming to enhance environmental stewardship, social welfare, and effective governance in the transportation sector.
小編點評：印尼正在加強應對氣候變化的努力，推廣電動車（EV）以減少碳排放，特別是在雅加達等人口密集的城市地區。政府舉措包括補貼和支持性法規，旨在加速電動車的普及，從而提升公共健康和交通服務的經濟穩定性。這些措施反映了印尼通過改進環境實踐、社會支持和增強電動車部門治理來實現可持續發展的承諾。
Indonesia National Data Centre Cyber Attack Disrupts Services, $8 Million Ransom Demanded
印尼國家數據中心遭遇網絡攻擊，要求800萬美元贖金
Indonesia’s national data centre fell victim to a cyber attack that disrupted critical government services, including immigration checks at airports, Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi revealed to Reuters on Monday. The attacker, using a new variant of the Lockbit 3.0 ransomware, demanded an $8 million ransom. The incident caused significant delays at immigration desks, with automated passport machines now operational as efforts to restore full services continue.
The Lockbit cybercrime group, known for its ransomware operations, encrypted data within the national data centre, prompting concerns about data security and operational disruptions across governmental agencies. Digital forensics investigations are currently underway to assess the full extent of the breach and to determine whether any confidential data was compromised. This attack marks the latest in a series of cyber incidents targeting Indonesian entities, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities despite previous security breaches affecting the country’s banking sector and government ministries in recent years.
小編點評：印尼國家數據中心遭到使用Lockbit 3.0勒索軟件的網絡攻擊，致使移民檢查等重要政府服務中斷。攻擊者要求支付800萬美元贖金，這突顯了印尼政府機構在恢復受影響服務和評估潛在數據洩露方面面臨的持續網絡安全挑戰。
MITI: Macrokiosk braces for new heights
MITI: Macrokiosk迎接新的高峰
KUALA LUMPUR: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo made a second visit to Macrokiosk Malaysia recently, highlighting the company’s significant growth and global impact since his last visit in 2019.
Gobind commended Macrokiosk for its achievements over the past five years, emphasising its role as a leading Malaysian enterprise solutions platform company driving digital innovation across Asia and beyond.
小編點評：Macrokiosk的最新發展顯示了他們在科技行業中雄心勃勃的增長和創新承諾。通過加強數字解決方案，他們準備增加市場影響力和客戶參與度。這一戰略舉措體現了科技公司如何實現可持續增長並保持競爭力。
Website: https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/07/1072726/macrokiosk-braces-new-heights
Title: 5G-driven smart factories to contribute RM36.8bil to GDP – Tengku Zafrul
5G驅動的智慧工廠將為馬來西亞GDP貢獻368億令吉
KUALA LUMPUR: The 3,000 smart factories powered by 5G which will be in operation by 2030 are expected to contribute RM36.8 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP).
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the “tech up for a digitally vibrant nation” mission outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) stresses the importance of adopting digital technology to create 3,000 smart factories by 2030.
“This will generate more than 150,000 high-skilled jobs in fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence and industrial internet of things,” he said during the memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
小編點評：最近宣布的5G驅動智慧工廠預計將為馬來西亞GDP貢獻368億令吉，這突顯了先進技術對經濟的變革性影響。此舉將提高製造業的生產力、效率和競爭力。通過擁抱5G技術，馬來西亞正將自己定位於工業創新的前沿，這可以吸引更多投資並推動可持續的經濟增長。
Johor to be new data centre hub in Asia, 50 centres set up over last 2 years – Onn Hafiz
柔佛成為亞洲新數據中心樞紐，過去兩年設立50個中心
KULAI: Johor’s infrastructure and ample power capacity have seen the state attract more than 50 data centres in the past two years, said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He pointed out that the Sedenak Tech Park (STeP), in Kulai, alone boasts a capacity of over one gigawatt (GW) and provides the necessary power infrastructure to support data centre operations.
“Singapore took over 15 years to establish itself as a data hub with more than 70 data centres, totalling a capacity of 1.4 GW. In contrast, Johor has attracted more than 50 data centres in just the past two years,” he said. Onn Hafiz said the rapid growth in the data centre industry shows Johor’s capability to become a new data centre hub in Asia.
小編點評:：柔佛正迅速成為亞洲新的數據中心樞紐，過去兩年已設立了50個數據中心。這一發展顯示了該地區技術基礎設施和經濟前景的顯著提升。這項舉措可能會吸引更多投資，創造就業機會，並提升柔佛作為數位經濟重要參與者的聲譽。