The administration aims for complete adoption of digital systems across all sectors by next year, projecting an investment of approximately 500 billion baht in digital infrastructure.
As stated by Sasikarn Wattanachan, who serves as the deputy spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, the financial backing for this initiative will be sourced from a mix of governmental support and donations from local and foreign businesses.
The objective was unveiled after the initial session of the National AI Committee on May 1, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Ms Sasikarn reported that prior to the meeting, the prime minister mentioned how quickly the world is evolving and noted that Thailand’s growth rate had been rather sluggish during the last decade. Addressing this challenge requires integrating artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, as pointed out by Ms Paetongtarn.
The administration acknowledges that this issue is critical and urgent. Ongoing progress is essential for boosting Thailand’s standing globally.
To propel progress and tech advancement within the nation, the National AI Committee has been set up to enforce the National AI Action Plan aimed at fostering Thailand’s growth.
This committee will oversee different facets of AI development. It is anticipated that this effort will serve as an essential foundation and catalyst for advancing Thailand toward robust and strategic growth.
In advancing AI technology, efforts will concentrate equally on cultivating human talent to ensure a comprehensive grasp of AI concepts. This approach aims to propel the nation towards stable and sustainable progress in light of worldwide transformations.
The establishment of the National AI Committee aims to define strategies for preparing Thailand in various areas, particularly the development of a sufficient AI workforce which is a fundamental factor, with the goal of educating and equipping at least 10 million AI users, no fewer than 90,000 AI professionals and at least 50,000 AI developers within two years.
In addition, the plan includes promoting investment in infrastructure development, such as cloud systems, data centres, graphics processing units (GPUs) and the development of open-source AI platforms.
These initiatives are intended to support the widespread application of AI technologies at an affordable cost. A data bank will also be established to consolidate information useful for AI development across various sectors.
Regarding the promotion of AI adoption in business and industry, the focus will be on sectors that support economic growth and social development, such as healthcare, tourism and agriculture.
The application of AI is expected to enhance the efficiency of Thailand’s healthcare system and elevate it to become a regional medical hub in Southeast Asia.
In the realm of tourism, AI will enhance visitor numbers as well as augment tourist expenditures. Within agriculture, AI will boost farming efficiencies, escalate output levels, and facilitate more precise business operations and marketplace engagements.
It is expected that backing AI applications across different sectors will significantly enhance public healthcare services, the tourism industry, and support for Thai farmers.
In order to speed up the acceptance of AI, the government plans to back the creation of centers of excellence. These centers will work on integrating AI development across various sectors alongside private companies, as stated by Ms. Sasikarn.
Chai Wutiwiwatchai, assistant secretary-general of the National AI Committee, mentioned that the government’s digital anggaran, with approximately 10 billion baht designated for AI advancement during 2025-26, requires further detailed deliberation.
As part of Thailand’s National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022-27), the biennial budget represents the second stage in the nation’s strategic road map for advancing artificial intelligence.
In this stage, the emphasis is on preparing for AI adoption through several core activities including skill enhancement programs, building up non-physical support systems, and fostering partnerships within various industries.
An important part of this stage involves the OpenThaiGPT — an open-source foundational model designed to boost AI availability and creativity.
Moreover, the government is focusing on expanding AI services and establishing governance frameworks to guarantee the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence.
Additionally, tax incentives will act as a key facilitator for AI, promoting the expansion of AI start-ups and cultivating a robust AI-oriented environment, along with strengthening physical infrastructure in cutting-edge high-performance computing.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).