Thailand is urged to accelerate its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity and maintain its competitive edge in the global market. This call to action was highlighted during a recent forum in Bangkok, where experts emphasized the necessity of integrating AI into various sectors and fostering collaboration between the government, academia, and businesses.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, Thailand should concentrate on developing specialized technological capabilities rather than competing directly with larger economies in mass production. He pointed to agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental technology as key areas for AI application, citing the valuable local data these sectors generate. Yodchanan also stressed the importance of bolstering expertise in technologies such as sensors, photonics, and advanced semiconductor packaging.
Education is positioned as a cornerstone of Thailand’s AI strategy. Yodchanan underlined the need for a stronger focus on subjects like mathematics, science, and systems thinking, along with promoting lifelong learning and reskilling initiatives to keep pace with technological advancements.
Representing the business perspective, Bangkok Bank executive Kobsak Pootrakool emphasized that AI should be leveraged to improve productivity rather than being viewed merely as a demonstration tool. He highlighted the crucial role of reliable and well-organized data in successful AI implementation and underscored the growing significance of automation and robotics in manufacturing.
Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder of Bitkub Capital Group, advocated for an AI-first approach across the economy, noting that AI could be instrumental in boosting business productivity amid Thailand’s demographic and workforce challenges. The consensus among the panelists was clear: stronger education, robust data infrastructure, effective regulation, and enhanced public-private cooperation are essential for harnessing AI’s potential to drive economic growth.