UPDATE 1 — Thailand eyes $80 billion in semiconductor investment by 2050 under new strategy

(Adds details, background and minister comments) BANGKOK, Sept 24 (Reuters) — Thailand is targeting $80 billion in semiconductor investment by 2050 and the creation of 230,000 jobs as part of a national strategy announced on Thursday. The plan aims to build a fully integrated domestic chip ecosystem by 2050 with a target of generating $150 billion in annual revenue, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said in a statement from the Board of Investment, adding the framework would provide investors with a clear long-term roadmap. Thailand has an established chip industry that is concentrated mostly in assembly and packaging. Ekniti said the programme aims to move Thailand into higher-value segments of the global semiconductor supply chain. The government will provide support through tax incentives, regulatory reforms, workforce development, infrastructure upgrades and research and development investment, he said. The strategy will be implemented in phases, starting with strengthening packaging and testing before expanding into chip design and wafer fabrication, Ekniti said. Thailand will focus on three priority technologies: photonics, power semiconductors and sensors, the board sai