Thailand is positioning itself as a key player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, with a strategic shift from being a mere AI consumer to a leading AI application creator. This ambitious goal is backed by a robust ecosystem, including advanced computing infrastructure, burgeoning data centers, and a growing pool of AI talent.
The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec) is spearheading the country’s AI drive, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing strengths to capitalize on the AI megatrend. With substantial investments from both the public and private sectors, Thailand is aiming to cultivate a skilled AI workforce of 30,000 individuals within the next three years.
Key initiatives include the development of a Thai Large Language Model, the establishment of an AI testing center to ensure quality and governance, and the application of AI across various sectors. The government has allocated a significant budget of 1 billion baht to Nectec for talent development and research.
Industry leaders and associations are also actively contributing to Thailand’s AI journey. The Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand (AIAT) is focused on nurturing top AI talent through its “Super AI Engineer” project, while the Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneur Association of Thailand (AIEAT) is driving the development of AI applications to meet corporate demands and boost the economy.
Despite facing challenges such as a shortage of AI engineers and limited investments compared to global standards, Thailand is optimistic about its potential. The country aims to increase AI investment tenfold within the next five years.
As Thailand strives to become an AI powerhouse, collaborations between the government, academia, and industry will be crucial. The upcoming AI Thailand Forum 2024, themed “Sustainable Growth with AI,” is expected to further galvanize the AI community and accelerate the country’s progress in this transformative field.