Thailand's new investment jumps 37% in Jan-June on AI boom

Artificial intelligenceData centers flourish, but analysts raise concerns over real economic gainsBangkok skyline: Total investment in Thailand was up by over a third in the first half of 2026 amid the global AI boom. © ReutersAPORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHATJuly 23, 2026 18:30 JSTBANGKOK -- Thailand's new foreign and domestic investment jumped 37% year on year in the first half of 2026 to $43.6 billion, official data released on Thursday showed, and was boosted by the digital sector amid the global artificial intelligence boom.