Thai and Chinese experts recently convened in Guizhou Province, China, to enhance their cooperation in the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI). This gathering, part of the “China-Thailand Digital Economy Cooperation” exchange, coincided with the 2026 China International Big Data Industry Expo, highlighting a commitment to advancing bilateral relations in technology and innovation.
New Horizons in Digital Cooperation
The discussions marked a transformative phase in the partnership between the two nations. Experts noted that digital industry collaboration has transitioned from isolated pilot initiatives to a more comprehensive, systematic approach. This progression is characterized by full-chain empowerment, diverse business models, and significant localization efforts.
A report presented at the event revealed that Thailand’s digital economy emerged as its leading investment sector in 2025, attracting approximately $23.95 billion across 151 projects. This trend solidifies the digital economy’s status as a cornerstone of Thailand’s high-tech landscape.
Surge in Investment and Trade
Chinese investments in Thailand’s digital sector saw a remarkable 42% increase year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. Major projects are being launched rapidly, indicating robust growth in this area. The report highlighted that the bilateral digital trade volume surpassed 110 billion yuan (about $16.35 billion) in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 22.3%, outpacing traditional goods trade and becoming a key driver of economic growth between the two countries.
Diverse Sector Engagement
Nirinthon Sakdiset, the director of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Chengdu Office, emphasized the continuous influx of well-known Chinese firms into various sectors within Thailand. He observed that the most significant growth from 2021 to 2025 was in the digital industry, new energy vehicles, and smelting technologies.
In recent years, both nations have established numerous national AI research and development centers, fostering deeper collaboration in AI research and industrial development. A joint laboratory focusing on industrial AI, unmanned systems, and smart technologies has already initiated over 70 collaborative technology projects, facilitating technology transfer and the development of skilled technical talent.
Impact on Everyday Life
The implemented cooperation projects span multiple sectors, with China playing a vital role in assisting Thailand’s digital transformation. Progress is evident in new energy vehicles, smart manufacturing, and automation. AI applications in education, healthcare, smart tourism, and agriculture are significantly benefiting the daily lives of Thai citizens.
Soontaree Songserm, senior executive vice president of the Big Data Institute in Thailand, expressed optimism about the foundational cooperation between Thailand and China. He believes that the digital economy offers a crucial pathway to strengthen their partnership, encouraging collaboration among governments, enterprises, universities, research institutions, and technology sectors.
Expo Highlights and Future Prospects
The expo, themed “Token: A New Path to Value of Data Elements,” attracted 372 domestic and international companies, along with over 16,000 registered participants. This event showcased cutting-edge technologies and applications across various fields, including the token economy and data element circulation.
As China’s data industry continues its rapid growth, with projections estimating a scale of 6.78 trillion yuan in 2025—a 15.7% annual increase—the momentum for digital innovation remains strong.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Thailand and China in the digital economy signifies a promising future for both nations. By leveraging technology and deepening partnerships, they can create substantial benefits for their societies and economies. As both countries navigate this complex landscape, their commitment to cooperation will undoubtedly pave the way for further advancements and mutual growth.
- Takeaways:
- Digital economy cooperation between Thailand and China is evolving into a systematic phase.
- Significant investment growth in Thailand’s digital sector is establishing its prominence.
- AI applications are enhancing various sectors, improving the lives of Thai citizens.
- The China-Thailand partnership is poised for continued innovation and collaboration in technology.
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