Experts at a recent forum in Bangkok emphasized the urgency for Thailand to accelerate its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity and maintain competitiveness. The call to action stressed the need for improved digital skills, data capabilities, and stronger collaboration among government entities, universities, and businesses.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat underscored the importance of leveraging AI in sectors where Thailand can develop specialized technological capabilities. He identified agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental technology as key areas ripe for AI development due to their potential to generate valuable local data. Yodchanan also pointed out the necessity of strengthening expertise in advanced technologies such as sensors, photonics, and semiconductor packaging.
Education plays a critical role in Thailand’s AI strategy, according to Yodchanan, who advocated for a curriculum that prioritizes mathematics, science, algorithms, and systems thinking. He also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, reskilling, and upskilling to keep pace with continuous technological advancements.
Kobsak Pootrakool, an executive at Bangkok Bank, emphasized that businesses should utilize AI to drive productivity improvements rather than view it as a mere demonstration project. He stressed the need for reliable and well-organized data to support successful AI integration. Kobsak also noted the significant impact of automation, robotics, and AI in manufacturing, urging investment in technology, infrastructure, and data systems alongside appropriate regulations.
Bitkub Capital Group founder Jirayut Srupsrisopa advocated for an AI-first approach across Thailand’s economy to address demographic and workforce challenges. The panelists collectively agreed on the necessity of robust education, enhanced data infrastructure, effective regulation, and closer public-private sector cooperation to ensure that technological advancements translate into economic growth.