Thailand must accelerate its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and enhance digital skills to maintain competitiveness and productivity, experts emphasized at a recent forum in Bangkok. They highlighted the need for improved collaboration among the government, universities, and businesses to achieve these goals.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, who also serves as the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, pointed out that Thailand should focus on developing specialized technological capabilities in sectors such as agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental technology. These areas, rich in valuable local data, could benefit significantly from AI development. He also stressed the importance of advancing technologies like sensors, photonics, and advanced semiconductor packaging.
In his remarks, Yodchanan underscored the critical role education plays in fostering AI advancements, advocating for a stronger focus on mathematics, science, and systems thinking. He called for initiatives in lifelong learning, reskilling, and upskilling to keep pace with technological evolution.
Kobsak Pootrakool, an executive at Bangkok Bank, urged businesses to integrate AI into their operations to enhance productivity rather than as mere pilot projects. He emphasized the necessity of having reliable and well-organized data for successful AI implementation, and noted the increasing significance of automation, robotics, and AI in the manufacturing sector.
Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder of Bitkub Capital Group, advocated for an AI-first approach across Thailand’s economy, suggesting that AI could help businesses navigate demographic and workforce challenges by boosting productivity. The panelists collectively agreed that stronger educational systems, improved data infrastructure, and effective regulations are essential to support AI adoption, alongside enhanced cooperation between the public and private sectors.