As countries around the globe race to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), Thailand finds itself at a crossroads, needing to accelerate its AI adoption to remain economically competitive. Experts at a recent forum in Bangkok emphasized the urgency of this challenge, calling for enhanced collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yodchanan Wongsawat, underscored the importance of focusing on areas where the country can build specialized technological capabilities. Rather than competing in mass production with larger economies, Yodchanan suggested that Thailand leverage its strengths in agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental technology—sectors rich in valuable local data that could benefit from AI advancements.
The minister also highlighted the critical role of education in supporting Thailand’s AI strategy. He advocated for an educational emphasis on mathematics, science, algorithms, and systems thinking, alongside fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. Yodchanan stressed the necessity of lifelong learning and the importance of reskilling and upskilling as technological landscapes continue to shift.
In alignment with these views, Bangkok Bank executive Kobsak Pootrakool pointed out that businesses should utilize AI to boost productivity, rather than as mere demonstration tools. He emphasized the need for reliable and well-organized data to ensure successful AI implementation. Kobsak also noted the increasing importance of automation, robotics, and AI in the manufacturing sector, urging investments in technology, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder of Bitkub Capital Group, advocated for an AI-first approach across the Thai economy, suggesting that AI could be pivotal in addressing demographic and workforce challenges. He, along with other panelists, agreed that stronger educational programs, robust data infrastructure, effective regulation, and enhanced public-private cooperation are essential to translating technological advancements into sustained economic growth for Thailand.