Amid the ongoing restructuring of global supply chains and the continuously rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) computing power, Thailand is emerging as a new key manufacturing base for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, particularly in advanced production.
On April 27 in Bangkok, the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA), together with the Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA), hosted the “2026 Thailand PCB Industry Summit” and officially released a survey report titled “Opportunities for Thailand’s PCB Industry Under the AI Wave and Geopolitical Shifts.” The report focuses on practical key issues for doing business in Thailand, such as work permit applications, workforce development, infrastructure, and government policies.
The summit served as a high-level strategic forum and was supported by the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA) and the China Printed Circuit Association (CPCA). More than 60 executives and industry representatives from Taiwan, China, and Thailand attended the event. Representatives from Thai government agencies, including the Board of Investment (BOI), the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also participated—reflecting the Thai government’s strong commitment to developing the PCB industry and strengthening international cooperation.
Cross-Regional Survey Highlights Global PCB Growth and Thailand’s Potential
A key highlight of this summit was the launch of the report “Opportunities for Thailand’s PCB Industry Under the AI Wave and Geopolitical Shifts,” jointly prepared by TPCA, THPCA, and HKPCA. The report compiles survey findings and cross-regional industry perspectives to reflect shared strategic concerns among PCB companies in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand. These include investment strategies in Thailand, strengthening localized supply chains, and developing human resources.
This initiative not only enhances the credibility and accuracy of the industry outlook but also underscores a broader trend: amid global industrial restructuring, the PCB industry in Asia is moving toward deeper regional integration and closer collaboration.
AI Drives Global PCB Market Toward a Hundred-Billion-Dollar Scale, Opening a Window of Opportunity for Thailand
The report states that the global PCB market continues to expand, driven by investments in AI infrastructure. It forecasts that the market value will reach USD 92.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow further to USD 113.7 billion in 2026, with an annual growth rate as high as 23.1%. The demand for AI computing capability is becoming a key engine driving the global PCB industry, accelerating advanced manufacturing and supply chain restructuring. This is expected to create a new wave of economic and industrial growth opportunities for Thailand.
Addressing Workforce Bottlenecks Through Thailand–Taiwan HR and Academia–Industry Collaboration
To respond to workforce bottlenecks, TPCA hosted the “Thailand–Taiwan HR Networking and Academia–Industry Collaboration Forum” later that afternoon. The event enabled in-depth discussions on industry–education cooperation, talent training programs, and domestic workforce development mechanisms. The forum focused on addressing shortages in key professional roles such as engineering and manufacturing processes, machinery maintenance, and research and development (R&D), laying a stronger foundation for the long-term growth of Thailand’s PCB industry.
Thailand Accelerates Toward High-Value Manufacturing as Investment Expands
In recent years, more than 60 PCB manufacturers have invested in Thailand, positioning the country as a growing high-value manufacturing hub to meet demand from AI servers, advanced communications systems, and automotive electronics.
Automotive electronics account for the largest share at 31%, reflecting the strength of Thailand’s automotive industrial base. Meanwhile, investments from more than 100 companies across the industry supply chain have supported Thailand’s transition toward higher-value PCB products, including advanced multilayer boards (47%) and high-density interconnect boards (HDI, 23%).
PCB as the Foundation of the Semiconductor Industry: Calls for Stronger Government Support
The report emphasizes that although Thailand’s PCB industry is growing rapidly, its industrial ecosystem still requires further development. It found that 46% of companies have domestic procurement levels below 20%, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen Thailand’s local supply chain.
During public–private discussions, participants proposed four key recommendations:
- Extend urgent work permit validity to 60–90 days and allow applications to be submitted prior to arrival in Thailand to support manufacturing operations.
- Promote collaboration between industry and educational institutions, including internship programs and workforce skill development initiatives.
- Upgrade related infrastructure such as electricity supply, clean energy systems, and water resource management to support advanced manufacturing.
- Designate the PCB industry as part of Thailand’s national target industries to enhance competitiveness within the global AI supply chain.
Talent Shortages Remain a Critical Variable; TPCA Advances Professional Workforce Development
The report further notes that the most significant shortage currently lies in domestic raw material supply, accounting for 35%. This is followed by shortages in operational-level employees and technical engineering personnel (22%), as well as logistics services for parts, equipment, and maintenance support (21%).
These multidimensional challenges—ranging from raw materials and machinery to workforce supply—indicate that Thailand must enhance supply chain readiness and strengthen human resource development simultaneously in order to move to the next stage of PCB industry growth. Demand for relevant professionals is projected to rise sharply to 74,200 people by 2030.
As Thailand’s industrial foundation becomes increasingly tangible, the next stage of development will no longer focus solely on expanding production capacity, but rather on accelerating the establishment of an advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Future competitiveness will depend on continuous progress in local supply chain development, talent cultivation, and the completion of supporting infrastructure and policy measures.
To overcome workforce bottlenecks, TPCA organized the “Thailand–Taiwan HR Networking and Academia–Industry Collaboration Forum” on the same afternoon, providing a platform for in-depth bilateral exchanges between industry and educational institutions on talent training and domestic workforce development mechanisms. The discussions also prioritized addressing shortages in key professional roles such as engineering and process development, machinery maintenance, and R&D, further reinforcing the foundation for long-term growth in Thailand’s PCB industry.
In addition, TPCA will continue to integrate cooperation with key partners including THPCA, BOI, IEAT, NXPO, and TECO to expand and diversify professional workforce development platforms. TPCA aims to serve as a bridge connecting government resources with industry needs, strengthening the PCB industry supply chain and enhancing the capability and expertise of Thai professionals—ultimately contributing to Thailand’s broader economic and social development.