However, analysts say that the country will have much ground to cover as it trails behind neighbours Malaysia and Singapore. At the unveiling by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) on July 27, minister Yodchanan Wongsawat called semiconductor development “a national priority”. Siam Silica will target five areas: photonics fabrication, advanced packaging, silicon design, quantum photonics and power devices. Thailand aims to establish eight integrated circuit design companies, one semiconductor fabrication plant, and two advanced semiconductor packaging facilities by 2030. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul thanks Pheu Thai’s Yodchanan Wongsawat for agreeing to form a coalition on February 13.