Thailand plans to draft a strategic plan for its semiconductor sector within 90 days, aiming to attract new investments amid the growing trade tensions between the US and China. The country's national semiconductor board will engage a consultancy to create an industry roadmap, with Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), leading efforts to promote the sector. As part of these efforts, Narit is also organising roadshows in the US and Japan to draw in semiconductor investments.

The semiconductor industry has faced significant disruption due to the US-China trade war, and further instability is expected as US President Donald Trump's renewed tariffs on Chinese imports continue. Despite this, Thailand's semiconductor sector has seen growth, with inbound investment applications reaching a decade-high of 1.14 trillion baht ($33.5 billion) in 2023. The country aims for 500 billion baht in new investments by 2029, focusing on power electronics, including semiconductors for electric vehicles, data centres, and energy storage systems.

Thailand is positioned as a key player in the global semiconductor market, ranking second among emerging economies for semiconductor manufacturing. Companies like Analog Devices, Sony, Toshiba, and Infineon have facilities in Thailand, and investment in printed circuit boards, essential for electronic devices, has also surged. Thailand's neutral position in the ongoing trade conflict makes it an attractive destination for investors seeking stability.

However, Thailand faces stiff competition from other Southeast Asian countries, particularly Malaysia, which is aiming for over$100 billion in semiconductor investments. Despite this, Thailand's growth potential remains strong, driven by its growing reputation as a manufacturing hub for electronics.