Gulf and Singtel Partner on Thailand-Singapore Submarine Cable

Gulf Development and Singtel Group announced a strategic partnership to develop new submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore, reinforcing both countries' positions as leading digital economies in Southeast Asia.

The partnership combines Gulf's infrastructure development expertise and growing digital business portfolio with Singtel's leadership in submarine cable infrastructure and services. Both companies will develop and invest in subsea cable assets to support increasing demand for cloud, AI, data centre and digital services across the region, reflecting a shared commitment to long-term collaboration and value creation.

Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Development, said the partnership represents an important milestone in Gulf's digital infrastructure strategy. "Together, we are creating a platform that strengthens submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore while supporting Thailand's ambition to become a leading digital and AI economy in Southeast Asia. With our complementary strengths, we aim to build critical infrastructure that enables digital growth and creates long-term value for the economies and communities we serve."

Yuen Kuan Moon, Group Chief Executive Officer of Singtel, said Thailand and Singapore are two of Southeast Asia's most important digital economies. "Our partnership with Gulf brings together our expertise in digital infrastructure and submarine cable systems to meet the growing demand for cloud, AI, data centre and digital services. We look forward to deepening submarine cable links between our two countries and supporting the next phase of digital growth and innovation in the region."

As the first initiative, the partners will participate in the Vietnam-Thailand-Singapore Cable System, creating a new subsea cable link that strengthens Thailand's connectivity to Singapore. Singtel Singapore and Thai telecommunications operator AIS will draw on their market expertise, connectivity capabilities and customer reach to support the system's development and commercialisation.

The VTS Cable System is expected to be operational by 2030, with capital requirements spread over multiple years. Gulf and Singtel may also consider investing in terrestrial cable systems and other subsea cable systems in the future.

Thailand is increasingly attracting investments in data centres, cloud services and digital platforms. As demand for digital and AI infrastructure accelerates, enhanced international connectivity will support the country's ambition to become a leading digital and AI economy. The partnership also reinforces Singapore's position as Southeast Asia's premier digital connectivity gateway.