Bangkok: The Ministry of Industry is promoting the smart electronics industry and supporting Thailand’s advancement into a world-class high-tech manufacturing base. Seagate Technology (Thailand) is promoting job creation, career development, and the development of human resources working with robots, while also pushing for an increase in the proportion of local content.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkhongchana, Minister of Industry, visited Seagate Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Samut Prakan Province to follow up on the progress of the development of the intelligent electronics industry to promote and develop entrepreneurs and the industrial sector to be able to compete in the global market with technology and innovation.
Mr. Thanakorn stated that the smart electronics industry is one of Thailand’s new economic industries, designated as a new S-Curve target industry under the Thailand 4.0 policy. It integrates advanced technology and innovation to elevate electronic products to new levels of intelligence, enabling them to expand into other industries such as electric vehicles, robotics, smart medicine, and precision agriculture. Seagate Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has played a key role in Thailand’s electronics industry in various areas, including upgrading smart electronics technology, developing workforce skills for the digital age, and promoting clean energy and a low-carbon economy. The Ministry of Industry must facilitate the industrial sector in terms of investment, taxes, and regulations, particularly certain laws that will require amendment.
“Regarding local content, I believe Seagate already has plans to increase the proportion of local content. If we increase it from the current 40%, the benefits will be felt by both operators and the Thai people,” said Thanakorn.
Ms. Duangkamol Ch. Rojprasert, Vice President of Operations, Seagate Technology (Thailand), stated that Seagate Thailand is the world’s largest hard disk drive production base. Currently, the production line uses an automation system primarily using robots. Seagate aims to push technology forward along with developing suppliers in Thailand. Currently, 40% local content is used. Regarding US taxes, Seagate Thailand is not affected.