Chip off the old bloc: Thailand looks to Siam Silica to propel it to top Asean player
Thailand has launched the 'Siam Silica' framework, a national strategy to establish the country as a key player in the semiconductor supply chain by 2030. The initiative focuses on workforce development, research, and building domestic infrastructure for integrated circuits.
Why it matters
As global supply chains diversify, Thailand's entry into the semiconductor market highlights the growing regional competition for tech manufacturing dominance in Southeast Asia.
Thailand launched its Siam Silica framework last week, a national road map that stamps the Southeast Asian country’s stake in the semiconductor race by building a domestic ecosystem and positioning it as a key hub within an integrated supply chain among Asean member states.
However, analysts say that the country will have much ground to cover as it trails behind neighbours Malaysia and Singapore.
At the unveiling by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) on July 27, minister Yodchanan Wongsawat called semiconductor development “a national priority”.
Siam Silica will target five areas: photonics fabrication, advanced packaging, silicon design, quantum photonics and power devices. Thailand aims to establish eight integrated circuit design companies, one semiconductor fabrication plant, and two advanced semiconductor packaging facilities by 2030.
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