Thailand Targets 8% Share of Semiconductor Exports in Southeast Asia
Thailand launched the Siam Silica Framework to develop its semiconductor workforce and capture 8% of Southeast Asia's chip export market, targeting niche sectors like IC design and advanced packaging where it can compete globally.
The National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council has launched the Siam Silica Framework to build a skilled semiconductor workforce supporting Thailand's chip industry ecosystem. Deputy Director Surin Khamfoi explained that the framework focuses on human resource development after the council identified semiconductor manufacturing as a growth opportunity with a large, interconnected supply chain. Rather than developing all segments simultaneously at high cost, Thailand will target high-value niches where it can maximize competitive advantage.
Analysis identified three growth sectors for Thailand: IC design, sensor and photonics devices, and power devices, alongside advanced packaging where the country already has a strong foundation. Thailand also possesses downstream supply chain capabilities in printed circuit board manufacturing and system integration assembly, offering opportunities to move up the value chain.
Currently, ASEAN accounts for approximately 20% of global semiconductor industry value, while Thailand represents only 1.37% of exports. The framework sets a target to increase Thailand's share to around 8% of the regional market. To achieve this, the council identified specific workforce requirements: approximately 1,330 technicians at the higher vocational level, 553 bachelor's degree engineers, 950 researchers and senior engineers, and 152 principal engineers and mentors distributed across the value chain. These figures align with a mission-oriented target based on planned investments in eight IC design companies or startups, one fabrication plant, and two advanced packaging facilities.
Fukuoka emphasizes that Thailand is not starting from zero, with a solid foundation of engineering and science graduates compared to regional peers. The country currently produces approximately 22,000 graduates annually in disciplines suitable for semiconductor industry employment, providing a platform to scale operations as foreign investment flows in response to workforce availability and infrastructure development.
