Gulf, Singtel to build subsea cable between Thailand and Singapore

The project will support growing cloud, AI, and data centre demand.

Gulf Development and Singtel Group will develop new submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore as the two companies in a bid to meet rising demand for cloud, AI, data centre and digital services in Southeast Asia.

The partnership will see Gulf and Singtel invest in subsea cable assets, combining Gulf’s infrastructure development and digital businesses with Singtel’s submarine cable infrastructure expertise.

The first project under the partnership will be the Vietnam-Thailand-Singapore (VTS) Cable System, which will establish a new subsea link between Thailand and Singapore.

Singtel Singapore and Thai associate AIS will support the system’s development and commercialisation through their connectivity capabilities and customer networks.

The VTS Cable System is expected to be operational by 2030, with capital requirements spread over several years.

Gulf and Singtel may also explore investments in terrestrial cable systems and other subsea cable projects in the future.

“We are creating a platform that strengthens submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore while supporting Thailand's ambition to become a leading digital and AI economy in Southeast Asia,” said Gulf CEO Sarath Ratanavadi said. “With our complementary strengths, we aim to build critical infrastructure that enables digital growth and creates long-term value for the economies and communities we serve."

“Thailand and Singapore are two of Southeast Asia's most important digital economies,” said Yuen Kuan Moon, Group Chief Executive Officer of Singtel, said. “Our partnership with Gulf brings together our expertise in digital infrastructure and submarine cable systems to meet the growing demand for cloud, AI, data centre and digital services.”

The partnership builds on Gulf and Singtel Group’s existing collaborations in Thailand across telecommunications and data centres.