Thailand’s largest conglomerate, Charoen Pokphand Group, along with its telecommunications arm True Corporation, has announced a major strategic partnership with Microsoft to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and establish it as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and cloud innovation.
The collaboration integrates CP Group’s extensive business ecosystem, True’s network and digital platforms, and the data center management expertise of True Internet Data Center (True IDC) with Microsoft’s global technology.
True IDC will serve as a key data center partner, supporting Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure in Thailand. These facilities are designed to meet Microsoft’s global operational standards.
This alliance aims to deliver high-stability, low-latency services to Thai customers while ensuring compliance with local data residency requirements. It is expected to solidify Thailand’s role as a central hub within the region’s digital ecosystem.
Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, stated that the partnership reflects a vision to create a “learning and innovation ecosystem” driven by AI and cloud technology. He underscored this as crucial for Thailand’s sustained competitiveness in the modern world.
Mr. Chearavanont emphasized that AI is not just a technology. It is a powerful tool to boost economic efficiency, improve quality of life, and provide Thai citizens access to essential new knowledge and skills.
Microsoft’s decision to utilize True IDC’s data centers reinforces Thailand’s potential as a regional digital infrastructure hub, he added. The collaboration will elevate cloud and AI technologies and offer access to future-driving innovations.
Mayank Wadwa, President of Microsoft ASEAN, expressed his belief that AI and cloud technologies offer vast opportunities to transform economies and societies. Microsoft is committed to providing a reliable cloud platform, cybersecurity expertise, and responsible AI development.
Mr. Wadwa highlighted the synergy between CP Group’s diverse industries and True’s nationwide digital infrastructure. He said this combination will enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and build a secure, inclusive digital future.
The partnership aligns with CP Group’s “Three Benefits” philosophy, which prioritizes advantages for the nation, its people, and the organization itself.
Sigve Brekke, CEO of CP Group’s Telecom and Digital Business and True Corporation, outlined three core areas of cooperation. These include driving Cloud and AI Transformation to enhance national technology capabilities.
Another focus is developing a go-to-market strategy to expand AI and cloud technology adoption across public and private sectors. The third area involves strengthening digital infrastructure through True IDC’s data centers to support Microsoft cloud services.
Specific initiatives stemming from the collaboration include enhancing national cybersecurity capabilities. This will be achieved through the development of AI-driven Cloud Security Operations Centers (SOCs) for real-time threat detection and response.
The partnership will also foster digital learning opportunities, developing skills and knowledge for CP employees, youth, and Thai society. This aims to cultivate a workforce ready for the digital economy.
Furthermore, the alliance will work to strengthen AI and cloud infrastructure, forming a robust foundation for the country’s digital transformation and long-term competitiveness.
This strategic move reflects CP Group and True’s AI strategy of co-innovation with global technology leaders. Their goal is to position Thailand as a leader in the age of artificial intelligence.