Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Gulf Edge, Google Cloud team for AI transformation, starting with AIS in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Gulf Edge, the digital infrastructure arm of Thai energy company Gulf Energy Development, has announced it is partnering with Google Cloud to transform Gulf and its affiliates into AI-native firms, with Thai telco AIS serving as the transformation model.
Under the collaboration deal announced on Thursday, AIS will undergo enterprise-wide AI transformation using Gemini Enterprise to build a next-generation agentic AI platform.
The platform will unify extensive network, operational and customer data into a secure, compliant, and scalable environment, which Gulf Edge said will accelerate the delivery of enterprise-wide AI agents beyond simple automation to orchestrate intelligent responses to business challenges and reimagine customer service.
As an example, AIS plans to leverage Google’s leading AI models and cloud solutions to set new benchmarks for customer satisfaction across its digital and physical touchpoints, including its myAIS app and AI-enhanced service centres.
Employees will have access to intelligent tools that automate routine tasks, allowing them to focus on high-value interactions, which translates into a better customer experience with more responsive, personalized engagement and delivery of faster, smarter digital services, Gulf Edge said.
Once AIS’ transformation is complete, Gulf Group intends to replicate the model at scale across organizations and ecosystem partners.
As part of the deal, Gulf Edge will also serve as a strategic go-to-market partner for Google Cloud’s enterprise-grade agentic AI and sovereign cloud technologies.
Gulf Edge and Google Cloud will also establish a specialized data analytics and AI Center of Excellence (CoE) focused on building deep technical and implementation expertise within Gulf Edge.
The hub will develop industry- and solution-specific scalable frameworks built on Google Cloud designed to address the unique AI opportunities within sectors such as retail, finance and manufacturing, among others, enabling Gulf Group to eventually become a catalyst for large-scale AI adoption by enterprises across Thailand.
Sarath Ratanavadi, CEO of Gulf Development Public Company Limited, said in statement that the expanded partnership with Google Cloud positions Gulf Group and affiliates at the forefront of AI-driven transformation for itself and other Thai businesses.
“By combining our infrastructure strengths and strong delivery capabilities with Google’s world-class technology, we aim to empower both the public and private sectors with transformative AI capabilities that elevate national digital competitiveness and drive long-term equitable economic and GDP growth,” he said.
The partnership was revealed a day after Google Cloud launched its new Bangkok cloud region, with three availability zones offering customers in Thailand access to in-country Google Cloud services and AI technologies.
Gulf Energy Development became AIS’ largest stakeholder after it merged with sister company Intouch Holdings (which owned 40.44% of AIS) in 2024.