Thailand’s AI Journey: From Ranks to Realities

According to the recently released AI Government Readiness Index for 2023, Thailand, holding its position among the top 40 nations, ranks 37th out of 193 countries. Despite a drop from 31st place in 2022, this ranking underscores the nation’s strides in aligning with global trends in AI technology adoption across both public and private sectors.

Seminar on AI advancements in Thailand

The Next Turning Point

During the AI Thailand Forum 2024 seminar, experts discussed a pivotal forecast: by 2030, we will witness a profound economic transformation driven by artificial intelligence. To effectively participate in this shift, stakeholders emphasized the necessity of cultivating an AI-ready workforce. The collective insights echoed by participants from various organizations, including the Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), reveal a robust commitment to preparing Thailand for a competitive future in the AI landscape.

As stated by NSTDA President Sukit Limpijumnong, the nation is rolling out a comprehensive national AI strategy from 2022 to 2027. This roadmap is designed to cultivate an AI-competent workforce while establishing ethical and governance frameworks for AI usage across different sectors.

Infrastructure and Innovation

One of the significant achievements recently highlighted is the establishment of the national AI service platform, which demonstrates the government’s dedication to building a solid infrastructure to support AI development. The NSTDA features LANTA, a supercomputer recognized for its superior computational capabilities within ASEAN, intended to bolster AI research efforts in both the public and private sectors.

Last year, initiatives aimed at enhancing AI skills reached over 100,000 participants. The Education Ministry is also increasingly integrating AI into the education system, fostering an environment where students can harness technology to its full potential while paving the way for startups to innovate various AI-based prototypes.

“AI has the power to transform our everyday lives and must be integrated into our education system to empower future generations.” – Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong

Students engaging with AI technologies

In the sphere of research and innovation, AI is being employed to analyze data on large populations, leading to strategic planning by the National Economic and Social Development Council that positively impacts over 600,000 citizens. The establishment of a medical AI consortium is another laudable initiative, designed to share significant medical datasets, which includes over 1.6 million medical images, enhancing public health strategies and capabilities.

Public Governance and Future Directions

Thailand’s public sector has shown a commendable score of 77.21 in the AI readiness assessment and 70.55 for its infrastructure. This indicates that while the mechanisms and systems are in place to foster AI development, there remains a pressing need to enhance the country’s technological footing, indicated by a comparatively lower technology score of 41.33.

Inaugural endeavors such as the OpenThaiGPT project, a large Thai language model currently under development, reveal the country’s commitment to indigenous technological advances. Chai Wutiwiwatchai, executive director of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec), reported that use of the national AI service platform reached 53 million, signaling that AI adoption is on the rise. Government agencies, including the Revenue Department and the House of Representatives, are more frequently testing AI applications to streamline their services.

Key Sectors for Growth

In discussing Thailand’s potential for AI-driven growth, Rungroj Poonpol of KTBG pointed out four essential sectors ripe for innovation: finance, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare. He articulated the need for the country to cultivate AI talent, asserting that a cadre of skilled professionals will be critical to driving research, innovation, and impactful applications across all industries to ensure sustainable growth amidst the challenges presented by a rapidly evolving global economy.

AI technologies impacting healthcare in Thailand

With projections indicating that AI could significantly contribute approximately $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030, it is imperative for Thailand to solidify its position as a key player in this burgeoning field. The countdown to 2030 will not merely mark a new chapter in the global economy, but it will also demand an agile response from nations working to leverage AI technology. Given Thailand’s collaborative efforts across sectors, there is cautious optimism that the country will be prepared to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

In conclusion, as Thailand navigates this pivotal journey, it is essential to reflect on the integration of AI within our frameworks of education, labor, and governmental service. This journey is not only about rank; it is about real, impactful change that will define the lives of millions. As citizens and participants in this transformation, we must advocate for and support these efforts for a tech-savvy future that embraces AI responsibly and ethically.