🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

AI server supply chains drive much of electronics growth

• Industrial exports rose 12.2% in November 1. The mix included printed circuit boards and electric transformers plus control panels used in data center gear for AI and in consumer electronics 1.
• The country ranks first in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for PCB output 2. Since 2022, investors filed over 180 PCB projects worth more than 200 billion baht, which puts Thailand in a midstream role for advanced hardware 2.
• The Commerce Ministry expects 2026 export growth between -3.3% and 1.1% 1. The ministry cites weaker global demand and U.S. tariff effects plus pricing pressure and a stronger baht 1.

Business-to-business (B2B) electronics makers can apply for Board of Investment (BOI) incentives before they expire

• Foreign electronics firms that apply by December 31, 2025 can get BOI productivity incentives 3. Benefits include corporate income tax holidays, up to 13 years for some advanced electronics, 100% foreign ownership and duty-free machinery imports 3.
• Local content rules offer incentives at a 40% local-content-by-value threshold for electrical appliances 3. Eligibility ties to “Made in Thailand” certification run by the Federation of Thai Industries, an industry association that verifies local manufacturing 3. The country’s PCB and component base can support local sourcing for electronics makers 2.
• Upstream component makers for AI infrastructure, such as transformers and power supplies, fit the policy focus 2. From January 2022 to June 2025, Thailand received 517 promotion applications in semiconductors and advanced electronics worth over 700 billion baht 2. The pipeline now spans many stages of the value chain 2.