The Thailand semiconductor industry is rapidly emerging as a strategic pillar of the country’s digital economy. With global demand for chips accelerating across AI, EVs, and IoT, Thailand has launched a national growth strategy to attract over 500 billion baht in investment and build a fully integrated semiconductor ecosystem within five years.
An analysis by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ISC/MFA) warns that without urgent development, Thailand risks falling behind in the global economic race, as major powers are investing heavily to control semiconductor supply chains—the “brains” of all modern technologies.
Thailand’s Semiconductor Growth Strategy
According to Business Events Thailand, the country is pursuing a three-pronged strategy:
- Infrastructure & Ecosystem Development: Establishing a National Semiconductor Innovation Center and promoting investment in chip manufacturing and assembly facilities.
- Talent Development: Collaborating with universities and research institutes to create specialized programs in microelectronics and advanced materials.
- Investment & Innovation Promotion: Offering up to 13 years of corporate tax exemption and supporting R&D to attract global manufacturers to set up operations in Thailand.
Thailand’s Position in the Global Semiconductor Value Chain
Reports from Deloitte and the Board of Investment (BOI) highlight Thailand’s potential to develop a full value chain—from chip design and silicon wafer fabrication to assembly, testing, and advanced packaging. This is especially relevant for emerging technologies like EVs and AI.
The ISC/MFA further emphasizes the need for regional and international collaboration, enabling Thailand to move beyond assembly and into high-value design and component manufacturing.
Economist’s Perspective: Thailand Must Embrace Strategic Industrial Policy
Associate Professor Dr. Juthathip Jongwanich (ThaiPublica) argues that Thailand must shift from a laissez-faire industrial policy to a proactive, strategic approach. The government should play a leading role in steering industries where Thailand has competitive potential—such as semiconductors—rather than leaving development solely to market forces.
Investments in infrastructure, talent, and technology are essential to building long-term competitiveness, as demonstrated by advanced economies that have successfully nurtured high-tech sectors.
Governance: A Pillar of Investor Confidence in High-Tech Industries
A report by KRAC (Knowledge for Reform Against Corruption) stresses that the public sector’s capacity to prevent corruption is a critical factor in attracting investment in high-value industries like semiconductors.
Key governance enablers include:
- Transparency in project approval and regulatory oversight
- Effective anti-corruption mechanisms within government agencies
- Collaboration among public, private, and civil society sectors
Strengthening governance and integrity in both public and industrial sectors will enhance investor confidence and reduce long-term project risks.
Chemicals: The Precision Backbone of Semiconductor Manufacturing
Semiconductor production relies on ultra-high-purity chemicals at every stage of the process:
- Wafer Cleaning: Sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide are used to remove contaminants.
- Etching: Hydrofluoric acid and sodium hydroxide create precise circuit patterns.
- Thin Film Deposition: Precursors like TEOS and TMA form functional layers.
- Surface Conditioning: pH adjusters and metal chelators stabilize surfaces and prevent contamination.
Beyond these core chemicals, advanced materials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene are gaining traction in next-generation semiconductor applications due to their exceptional electrical and thermal properties.
WITCORP PRODUCTS: A Trusted Chemical Partner for Thailand semiconductor industry
We specialize in supplying high-purity, application-specific chemicals for the semiconductor and electronics sectors. Our focus is on quality, safety, and process stability—backed by expert technical support and reliable logistics.
Our strengths include:
- Certified electronic-grade chemical products
- Industry-specific technical consultation
- Commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturing
Conclusion: Thailand semiconductor industry Is Ready for the Semiconductor Future
With a national strategy in place and growing readiness in infrastructure, talent, policy, and governance, Thailand is well-positioned to strengthen its domestic semiconductor supply chain. Chemicals and advanced materials will be key enablers in this transformation—and our company is ready to support every step of the journey.
References
- Business Events Thailand. (2024). Thailand’s Semiconductor Growth Strategy. Retrieved from https://intelligence.businesseventsthailand.com/en/blog/thailand-semiconductor-growth-strategy
- Deloitte Southeast Asia. (2024). 2025 Semiconductor Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.deloitte.com/southeast-asia/en/services/consulting/perspectives/2025-semiconductor-outlook-th.html
- BOI Thailand. (2024). Investment Promotion News. Retrieved from https://osos.boi.go.th/TH/news/2226/
- Bangkok Biz News. (2024). Thailand Risks Losing Global Ground Without Semiconductor Push. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/business/economic/1194361
- M Report. (2024). Thailand Approves Semiconductor Strategy to Attract 500 Billion Baht. Retrieved from https://www.mreport.co.th/news/government-news/570-thailand-approves-semiconductor-strategy-to-attract-500-billion-baht
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ISC/MFA). (2024). From Global to Regional: Semiconductor Supply Chain. Retrieved from https://isc.mfa.go.th/en/content/จากโลกสู่ภูมิภาค-ห่วงโซ่อุปทานเซมิคอนดักเตอร์
- ThaiPublica. (2025). Dr. Juthathip Jongwanich: Thailand Must Embrace Strategic Industrial Policy. Retrieved from https://thaipublica.org/2025/03/juthathip-jongwanich-on-industrial-policy/
- KRAC. (2024). Public Sector Capacity in Anti-Corruption for Industry. Retrieved from https://kraccorruption.com/knowledge/krac-insight-public-sector-capacity-anti-corruption-industry/