Thailand – Gulf Development and Singtel Group have entered a strategic partnership to build new submarine cable connectivity linking Thailand and Singapore, according to the two companies.
The tie-up, announced on 10 September 2026 in Bangkok and Singapore, brings together Gulf’s infrastructure development expertise with Singtel’s leadership in submarine cable systems and services.
Both firms will jointly develop and invest in subsea cable assets, according to the companies, in response to rising demand for cloud, AI, data centre and digital services across Southeast Asia.
As the first initiative under the partnership, Gulf and Singtel will participate in the Vietnam-Thailand-Singapore (VTS) Cable System, a new subsea link designed to strengthen Thailand’s connectivity to Singapore.
Singtel Singapore and Thai associate AIS — described by the companies as the leading telecommunications operators in their respective markets — will draw on their market expertise, connectivity capabilities and customer reach to support the system’s development and commercialisation.
The VTS Cable System is expected to become operational by 2030, with capital requirements spread across multiple years, Gulf and Singtel said.
Looking ahead, the two companies said they could also consider investing in terrestrial cable systems and other subsea cable systems.
Mr Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Development, said the partnership marks an important milestone in the company’s digital infrastructure strategy.
“This partnership with Singtel represents an important milestone in Gulf’s digital infrastructure strategy. Together, 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,” Ratanavadi stated.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Group Chief Executive Officer of Singtel, said Thailand and Singapore rank among Southeast Asia’s most important digital economies.
“Thailand and Singapore are two of Southeast Asia’s most important digital economies. 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,” he said.
“We look forward to deepening submarine cable links between our two countries and supporting the next phase of digital growth and innovation in the region,” he concluded.
According to the companies, Thailand is increasingly attracting investment in data centres, cloud services and digital platforms.
As demand for digital and AI infrastructure accelerates, Gulf and Singtel said enhanced international connectivity will play a key role in supporting Thailand’s ambition to become a leading digital and AI economy.
The partnership also reinforces Singapore’s position as Southeast Asia’s premier digital connectivity gateway, the companies said.
By strengthening submarine cable links between the two economies, the companies said the initiative will address the evolving needs of enterprises, cloud providers, hyperscalers and digital platforms seeking resilient, diverse and high-performance connectivity.
The partnership builds on Gulf and Singtel Group’s existing collaborations in Thailand across telecommunications and data centres, according to the companies.
It also provides a platform for both companies to pursue further opportunities across Southeast Asia, supporting digital investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in the region, they added.
