New subsea cable to connect Thailand to Australia

Goal is to 'future-proof' regional connectivity.

A new subsea cable called TalayLink will be connecting Thailand and Australia as a way of future-proofing connectivity in the region.

Thailand Board of Investment Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi noted: "The TalayLink cable will serve as a pivotal piece of digital infrastructure, enhancing Thailand's connectivity and resilience."

The subsea cable's name comes from the Thai word "talay," which means ocean or sea. TalayLink, whose route will be via the Indian Ocean, is part of Google Cloud's Australia Connect Initiative.

The introduction of TalayLink comes on the heels of a similar investment that will be connecting the Maldives, Christmas Island, and Oman. Meanwhile, as part of the Thai connection, new hubs will be set up in South Thailand and Western Australia.

"Together with Google's upcoming Google Cloud region and data centre in Thailand, these forward‑looking investments will significantly expand regional network and computing capacity, whilst firmly positioning Thailand as a critical digital gateway for next‑generation cloud and AI (artificial intelligence) innovation in Southeast Asia," Therdsteerasukdi added.

"The Thailand Board of Investment is fully committed to supporting Google's investment in Thailand, fostering the growth of the nation's digital economy, and advancing digital skills to ensure inclusive and sustainable development."

Other parties involved include colocation provider AIS and ALT Telecom subsidiary International Gateway Company.