As Thailand seeks to enhance its global competitiveness, experts emphasize the urgency of accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and strengthening digital skills. Speaking at a recent forum in Bangkok, industry leaders and government officials highlighted the need for a collaborative effort between the government, educational institutions, and businesses to drive productivity through technological advancements.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, who also serves as the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, pointed out that Thailand could gain a competitive edge by focusing on specialized technological capabilities rather than engaging in direct competition with larger economies. He identified sectors like agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental technology as key areas where AI could be leveraged to generate valuable local data. Yodchanan also stressed the importance of developing expertise in advanced technologies such as sensors and semiconductor packaging.
Education plays a pivotal role in Thailand’s AI strategy, according to Yodchanan. He advocated for a stronger emphasis on subjects such as mathematics, science, and systems thinking, along with fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the need for ongoing learning opportunities to keep pace with technological advancements, suggesting that reskilling and upskilling should become integral components of the educational framework.
From the business perspective, Kobsak Pootrakool, an executive at Bangkok Bank, emphasized that AI should be utilized to enhance productivity rather than being treated merely as a demonstration tool. He noted that the success of AI implementation is contingent on the availability of reliable and well-organized data. Kobsak also urged both businesses and the government to invest in technology infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, which are essential for integrating automation, robotics, and AI into manufacturing processes.
Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder of Bitkub Capital Group, called for an AI-first approach across Thailand’s economy, suggesting that AI could significantly boost productivity amidst the country’s demographic and workforce challenges. The panelists collectively agreed that the successful adoption of AI hinges on improved educational systems, robust data infrastructure, effective regulations, and enhanced cooperation between the public and private sectors. Such measures, they argued, are vital for transforming technological advances into broader economic growth.