Thailand to move up semiconductor value chain with first front-end fab

De-risking trend helps bring new investment amid U.S.-China tensions

Silicon carbide wafers are energy-efficient and are expected to see greater demand for use in electric vehicles and data centers. © Reuters

KENYA AKAMA, Nikkei staff writer

October 16, 2024 02:21 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's semiconductor industry is broadening into more advanced processes, with the country's first front-end fab slated to come online as early as 2027.

The Thailand Board of Investment has approved the 11.5 billion baht ($345 million) project by FT1, a joint venture by state-owned oil and gas group PTT and Hana Microelectronics.