Nation Thailand
Thailand Accelerates ‘Submarine Cable Sovereignty’ to Guard Against Geopolitical Crises
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
The DE Ministry is pushing state-owned NT to control communication networks as data traffic heavily relies on vulnerable land-based border routes.
Key facts
- Thailand is pivoting away from its heavy reliance on land-based internet infrastructure in a bid to secure "submarine cable sovereignty"
- An astonishing 80 per cent of the country's international internet traffic relies on terrestrial cross-border networks, whilst submarine cables carry a mere 20 per cent.
- Furthermore, the 20 per cent buffer provided by underwater routes is dangerously fragile; out of the country's seven or eight existing submarine lines, ongoing damage means only two or three are operating at full capacity.
- Undersea cables are the invisible arteries of the global economy, carrying over 95 per cent of all international data and financial transactions.
Summary
Thailand is pivoting away from its heavy reliance on land-based internet infrastructure in a bid to secure "submarine cable sovereignty", warning that regional conflicts and escalating geopolitical tensions could cripple the country's international communications.
Reporting for Krungthep Turakij, journalist Panchat Sinsuk revealed that Bunthida "Nan" Somchai, the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), announced the strategic shift following a briefing from Col Sanpachai Huvanandana, president of state-owned National Telecom (NT).