September 24, 2024
BANGKOK – The project, with an initial investment of 11.5 billion baht, is set to commence production within two years, serving growth in power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs), data centres, and energy storage systems.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the BOI, led a delegation to Lamphun Province on September 20 to monitor the progress of the wafer fabrication investment project. The venture, operating under FT1 Corporation Ltd (FT1), received BOI approval in February and was issued a promotional card last August.
The factory is expected to take about two years to build and install machinery, with production slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027. FT1 will benefit from technology transfer from a leading South Korean chip manufacturer to produce 6-inch and 8-inch silicon carbide (SiC) wafers.
Narit highlighted the unique features of SiC chips.
He also explained why Thailand was chosen for this project, citing its status as a neutral country with low geopolitical risk, as well as its competitive costs and capacity for future production expansion.
The project is a milestone for Thailand’s semiconductor industry.
He added that the project would create jobs, develop science and technology personnel through cooperation with Thai universities, and encourage Thai businesses to enter the semiconductor supply chain.
“This will lead to the development of an advanced electronics ecosystem, which will help attract other leading electronics manufacturers to invest in Thailand,” he stated.