As the global economy increasingly leans on artificial intelligence (AI) for productivity and innovation, Thailand is urged to accelerate its AI adoption to remain competitive. At a recent forum in Bangkok, experts emphasized the necessity for the country to enhance its digital skills, bolster data capabilities, and foster collaboration among government entities, educational institutions, and the business sector.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat highlighted the need for Thailand to concentrate on developing specialized technological capabilities rather than contending with larger economies in mass production. Areas such as agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental technology were spotlighted as potential sectors for AI growth, leveraging valuable local data. Yodchanan underscored the importance of education in this strategy, advocating for a greater focus on subjects such as mathematics, science, and entrepreneurship, alongside fostering creativity and systems thinking.
In the business sphere, Kobsak Pootrakool from Bangkok Bank stressed the importance of using AI to enhance productivity, cautioning against treating it merely as a demonstration project. He pointed out that successful AI adoption hinges on reliable, well-organized data and called for investments in technology, infrastructure, and data systems, alongside appropriate regulatory frameworks.
Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder of Bitkub Capital Group, echoed the call for an AI-first approach across Thailand’s economy. He argued that AI could significantly boost business productivity, a crucial factor as the country grapples with demographic and workforce challenges.
The forum’s panelists were unanimous in their view that a robust AI adoption strategy requires stronger educational foundations, improved data infrastructure, effective regulation, and increased cooperation between the public and private sectors, to translate technological advances into tangible economic growth.