The USTDA has funded a feasibility study for a new subsea cable. The proposed system would link Thailand and the United States. It could become a major digital bridge across the Pacific.
The project, called THUS, would stretch more than 18,500 kilometers. It would also include branches to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. The plan aims to replace Thailand’s aging direct subsea route to the United States.
Importantly, the cable route would avoid the South China Sea. It would also steer clear of other sensitive maritime zones. This design reduces exposure to political disputes, security threats, and repair difficulties.
For operators, route diversity matters more than ever. Cloud platforms, data centers, and AI workloads demand stable global capacity. A single damaged cable can affect traffic across many countries. A new path could strengthen regional resilience.
Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, president of state-owned National Telecom, said the planned system “will strengthen the resilience and diversity of our international networks.”
He also said the cable would support Thailand’s data center, cloud, and AI sectors. It could also improve affordable connectivity across Southeast Asia. The region represents a market of more than 600 million people.
The project follows an open access model. This means multiple service providers could use the cable. That approach can encourage competition and wider service availability. It may also help smaller players access international capacity.
However, the project still needs detailed validation. Subsea cables require major capital, permits, and engineering work. The study will examine commercial demand, technical design, financing, and regulatory requirements. These findings will guide future fundraising.
APTelecom will conduct the feasibility study for National Telecom. Its work will include route planning, market analysis, business planning, and regulatory review.
Thomas Hardy, deputy director of USTDA, framed the project as strategic digital infrastructure. He said, “This activity will help ensure that the critical infrastructure connecting Thailand to the United States is built using trusted technology, protecting sensitive data from exploitation while advancing Thailand’s ambitions to become a regional digital hub.”
He added, “By supporting the deployment of secure subsea cable systems, we are helping safeguard networks while opening new opportunities for US companies to compete in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.”
The study also aligns with US engineering standards. That could create export opportunities for American hardware, software, and installation providers. If implemented, THUS may reshape Thailand’s role in Asia-Pacific connectivity.
