Thailand Emerges as a Regionally and Globally Competitive Player in the PCB Industry

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Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), has revealed that as the global economy increasingly relies on data, speed, and smart devices, printed circuit boards (PCBs) have become one of the hottest areas for investment. Thailand is rapidly establishing itself as a key regional and global center for the industry.

Between 2022 and June 2025, investment in Thailand’s semiconductor and advanced electronics sector has grown significantly. During this period, 517 investment promotion applications were filed, totalling over 700 billion baht, of which 180 projects were specifically for PCBs, with a combined value exceeding 200 billion baht.

“These figures reflect investor confidence and officially place Thailand as the number one PCB production base in ASEAN and among the top five globally,” Narit said.

He explained that PCBs are the heart of all modern electronic devices, from smartphones, home appliances, and electric vehicles, to AI servers and medical equipment. As technology advances and the world becomes more interconnected, PCBs function as the “main artery” enabling smart devices to operate efficiently.

“For example, an electric vehicle uses far more PCBs than a conventional car, while AI servers in data centres require PCBs capable of extremely high speeds. Devices for 5G, IoT, and other smart applications need PCBs that are thin, flexible, and complex. PCBs are not just components — they are the secret items embedded in every technology driving the future,” Narit added.

He further highlighted that PCBs occupy the midstream segment of the electronics supply chain, linking upstream activities (IC design, wafer fabrication) with downstream products (finished goods). Thailand’s strength lies in its complete ecosystem, spanning circuit design, PCB wafer production and testing, assembly, and final smart products. As such, PCB investment is not just about building factories — it creates a gateway for Thailand into the global semiconductor industry, enabling growth in advanced packaging, specialty semiconductors, and R&D hubs.

Amid the ongoing tech and trade wars, global companies are looking to diversify risk and relocate production to stable, reliable, and competitive countries. Thailand has become a strategic hub in the global technology supply chain.

Thailand’s advantages include stable, clean energy, industrial estates tailored for advanced technology, regional logistics networks, skilled and adaptable personnel, and supportive government measures for high-tech industries. These factors position Thailand to play a key role in the global technology ecosystem and develop a comprehensive regional electronics ecosystem, with workforce development and capacity building for Thai enterprises as critical next steps.