Thailand’s Digital Leap: AIS Unveils the Nation’s First Locally-Owned Hyperscale Cloud
Thailand has taken a major step toward digital sovereignty and technological self-reliance with the launch of the country’s first hyperscale cloud platform operated entirely by a Thai company. Advanced Info Service (AIS), the nation’s largest telecommunications provider, has partnered with Oracle to introduce “AIS Cloud powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure,” a platform designed to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI), data security, and regulatory compliance in an increasingly digital world.
This initiative marks a significant milestone for Thailand’s digital economy, offering both public and private sector organizations a robust, AI-ready cloud solution that keeps data within national borders and under Thai jurisdiction. The move is widely seen as a strategic response to global trends in data sovereignty, digital transformation, and the need for resilient, scalable IT infrastructure.
What Is a Hyperscale Cloud and Why Does It Matter?
Hyperscale cloud platforms are large-scale computing environments capable of handling massive volumes of data and workloads. They are essential for supporting advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and big data analytics. Unlike traditional cloud services, hyperscale clouds offer:
- Auto-scaling capabilities to manage fluctuating workloads
- High availability and disaster recovery within the country
- Support for a wide range of emerging technologies
Until now, most hyperscale cloud services in Thailand were operated by foreign providers, raising concerns about data residency, compliance with local laws, and the risk of cross-border data transfers. The AIS Cloud changes this dynamic by ensuring that all data is stored and processed within Thailand, governed by Thai law, and supported by Thai professionals.
Strategic Partnership: AIS and Oracle Alloy
The backbone of the new AIS Cloud is Oracle Alloy, a comprehensive cloud infrastructure platform that enables partners like AIS to become full-fledged cloud providers. Through this collaboration, AIS can offer more than 100 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) services, including the latest AI capabilities, to Thai enterprises and government agencies.
Somchai Lertsutiwong, CEO of AIS, highlights the significance of this partnership:
“Cloud technology plays a pivotal role in supporting the IT infrastructure modernization and innovation for organizations in Thailand, and Oracle Alloy has made it possible for AIS to become a locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud provider in the country.”
Oracle’s Garrett Ilg, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Japan & Asia Pacific, describes the collaboration as an industry gamechanger:
“It empowers AIS to become a hyperscale cloud provider, enabling them to build new services faster while delivering sovereign cloud and AI capabilities for its Thai customers.”
Driving Digital Sovereignty and Compliance
One of the most compelling aspects of the AIS Cloud is its focus on digital sovereignty. With the rise of AI and big data, organizations are increasingly concerned about where their data is stored and who has access to it. Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the Cybersecurity Act require strict controls over data residency and security.
The AIS Cloud addresses these concerns by:
- Storing all customer data within Thailand’s borders
- Ensuring compliance with local regulations
- Providing in-country disaster recovery for business resilience
Dr. Passakon Prathombutr, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), underscores the importance of certified cloud services:
“This framework certifies cloud providers based on criteria ranging from fundamental service capabilities to environmental responsibility through Green Technology, up to the highest level — dSURE 3-Star Cloud — which ensures data sovereignty and secure local data storage with no cross-border transfers. AIS Business is currently the very first service provider in Thailand to be awarded this dSURE 3-Star certification.”
Local Advantages: Tailored for Thai Enterprises
Beyond technical capabilities, AIS Cloud offers several localized benefits designed to make cloud adoption easier and more secure for Thai organizations:
- Contracts and support in the Thai language
- Billing in Thai baht, eliminating foreign exchange risks
- 24/7 support from Thai-speaking professionals
These features are particularly important for businesses that need to comply with local regulations, manage costs effectively, and ensure clear communication with their service provider.
Empowering AI and Digital Transformation
The launch of AIS Cloud comes at a time when AI is rapidly transforming industries worldwide. AI applications require vast amounts of data and computing power, making hyperscale cloud platforms essential for innovation and competitiveness.
Phupa Akavipat, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at AIS, emphasizes the platform’s role in national development:
“We firmly believe that Thailand must have its own AI capabilities to ensure long-term technological sovereignty and resilience. Digital infrastructure owned and operated by Thais is the cornerstone of national development in the digital era.”
The platform is designed to support a wide range of technologies, including:
- Machine learning and AI development
- Big data analytics
- Hybrid and multi-cloud architectures
- Fully integrated Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
This flexibility allows organizations to modernize their IT infrastructure, drive innovation, and respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Government Backing and National Policy Alignment
The AIS Cloud launch has received strong support from the Thai government, aligning with national strategies to boost digital infrastructure and economic growth. Wisit Wisitsora-at, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, praises the initiative for supporting the government’s national cloud policy and emphasizes the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The government’s “Cloud First” policy aims to modernize public sector IT, improve service delivery, and ensure that critical data remains within the country. The AIS Cloud is positioned as a key enabler of this vision, providing secure, scalable, and locally governed cloud services for mission-critical applications.
Network as a Service (NaaS): Enhancing Connectivity and Flexibility
In addition to the cloud platform, AIS has introduced Network as a Service (NaaS), a solution that allows enterprises to manage their network configurations independently through a self-service portal. This service integrates seamlessly with AIS Cloud and offers:
- Flexible connectivity options, including fiber optic and 5G networks
- High security and reliability
- Support for both domestic and international network expansion
Phupa Akavipat explains the benefits:
“This brings added convenience for expanding or modifying network connections and endpoints both domestically and internationally. The service offers high flexibility and enhanced security, supported by a team of experts available 24/7.”
Investment, Market Impact, and Future Growth
The initial investment in AIS Cloud is 4 billion baht, with plans to scale up to 8 billion baht by 2030 as demand grows. AIS typically invests 25-30 billion baht annually in its overall infrastructure, positioning the company to support rapid expansion of its cloud services.
The Thai cloud market is forecast to grow at 23% per year through 2027, reflecting strong demand for digital transformation and AI capabilities. Industry analysts expect spending on sovereign cloud solutions to increase at a compound annual growth rate of over 30% in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by compliance requirements and the need for operational resilience.
Somchai Lertsutiwong, CEO of AIS, sees the cloud initiative as a new growth engine:
“This strategic collaboration between Oracle and AIS will not only accelerate AIS’s transformation from a telecom operator to a tech company, but will also unlock the immense potential for digital transformation and AI innovation for all organizations.”
Broader Implications: Thailand’s Path to Regional Digital Leadership
The launch of AIS Cloud is not just a technological upgrade—it represents a shift in how Thailand approaches digital infrastructure, data governance, and economic competitiveness. By establishing a locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud, Thailand is positioning itself as a leader in digital sovereignty and innovation in Southeast Asia.
Key implications include:
- Enhanced data security and compliance for Thai organizations
- Greater control over digital assets and critical infrastructure
- Attraction of foreign investment and support for local startups
- Empowerment of public sector digital transformation
The move also aligns with global trends, as countries around the world seek to develop sovereign cloud solutions to protect sensitive data and support national interests. Similar initiatives have been launched in New Zealand, Japan, the UAE, and across Europe, reflecting a growing recognition of the strategic importance of cloud infrastructure.
In Summary
- AIS has launched Thailand’s first locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud, powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
- The platform ensures data sovereignty, compliance with Thai laws, and supports advanced technologies like AI and big data analytics.
- Localized features include contracts and support in Thai, billing in baht, and 24/7 local assistance.
- The initiative aligns with government policies and has received the highest national cloud certification (dSURE 3-Star).
- Network as a Service (NaaS) enhances connectivity and flexibility for enterprises.
- The cloud market in Thailand is set for rapid growth, with AIS positioned as a key driver of digital transformation and economic competitiveness.
- The launch marks a significant step toward Thailand’s goal of becoming a regional leader in digital technology and innovation.
