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Chip off the old bloc: Thailand looks to Siam Silica to propel it to top Asean player

Thailand launched its Siam Silica framework last week, a national road map that stamps the Southeast Asian country’s stake in the semiconductor race by building…

By Samantha Johnson / August 8, 2026
Thailand launched its Siam Silica framework last week, a national road map that stamps the Southeast Asian country’s stake in the semiconductor race by building a domestic ecosystem and positioning it as a key hub within an integrated supply chain among Asean member states.

However, analysts say that the country will have much ground to cover as it trails behind neighbours Malaysia and Singapore.

At the unveiling by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) on July 27, minister Yodchanan Wongsawat called semiconductor development “a national priority”.

Siam Silica will target five areas: photonics fabrication, advanced packaging, silicon design, quantum photonics and power devices. Thailand aims to establish eight integrated circuit design companies, one semiconductor fabrication plant, and two advanced semiconductor packaging facilities by 2030.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul thanks Pheu Thai’s Yodchanan Wongsawat for agreeing to form a coalition on February 13. Photo: Reuters
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul thanks Pheu Thai’s Yodchanan Wongsawat for agreeing to form a coalition on February 13. Photo: Reuters

The MHESI also announced it was launching a Higher Education Sandbox degree programme for universities to fast-track deep-tech expertise and develop advanced competencies.

STEMPlus, the ministry’s human resources development and planning platform, will recruit 152 lecturers and scientists, 950 researchers, experts and senior engineers, 553 highly skilled engineers and 1,330 technicians for the programme.

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