Thailand’s National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2027)

Thailand’s National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2027) aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to drive the country’s technological and economic growth, enhance its competitiveness, and address national challenges. The plan outlines key strategies and actions to build a robust AI ecosystem in Thailand over the next five years.

1. Vision and objectives

• Vision: To transform Thailand into an AI-driven economy by 2027, using AI as a tool to enhance the quality of life, improve productivity, and foster sustainable growth.
• Key objectives:
  • Strengthen AI research and development (R&D).
  • Support AI adoption across key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, and manufacturing.
  • Improve AI talent and workforce readiness.
  • Develop AI infrastructure and data governance frameworks.
  • Promote international AI collaboration and establish Thailand as a regional AI hub.

2. Strategic pillars

The strategy is built around several strategic pillars that focus on different aspects of AI development and implementation:

• AI for societal benefits: Focus on using AI for public welfare, improving healthcare outcomes, supporting environmental sustainability, and enhancing education.
• AI for economic growth: Promote AI adoption in critical industries, such as agriculture, smart manufacturing, and finance, to boost national productivity and innovation.
• AI innovation and research: Foster innovation through collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector, with a focus on AI R&D, patenting, and commercialisation.
• Talent development: Build a skilled workforce in AI through educational programs, reskilling initiatives, and collaborations with global institutions.
• AI governance and ethics: Establish frameworks to ensure AI development is ethical, transparent, and accountable, including privacy protection, regulatory compliance, and addressing societal concerns related to AI impacts.

3. Key actions

• AI infrastructure development: Establish a strong digital infrastructure, including data centers, high-performance computing resources, and cloud platforms to support AI research, testing, and deployment.
• Data governance: Develop a national data policy that facilitates the responsible collection, sharing, and use of data, ensuring privacy and security standards are met.
• AI regulation and policy: Implement policies to encourage AI innovation while addressing risks such as bias, discrimination, and job displacement. This includes the development of AI ethics guidelines and regulatory frameworks.
• AI for smart cities: Use AI to create smart urban environments, optimise energy usage, enhance transportation systems, and improve public safety.
• Global AI collaboration: Engage in international partnerships, collaborate with global AI research institutions, and promote Thailand’s AI capabilities in international forums and markets.

4. Implementation and governance

The strategy outlines the establishment of a National AI Office (or similar body) to oversee the implementation of the action plan, coordinate between government agencies, the private sector, and academia, and track progress. This office will also help allocate resources, monitor AI-related projects, and support public-private collaborations.

5. Expected outcomes

• AI-driven economy: By 2027, AI is expected to significantly contribute to Thailand’s GDP, enhance national productivity, and create new industries.
• AI talent pool: The country aims to produce thousands of AI professionals and experts across various sectors.
• Global AI recognition: Thailand will position itself as a leading AI hub in Southeast Asia, attracting international investments and collaborations.
• Improved public services: AI-powered public services and infrastructure will enhance citizen well-being and make the country more efficient in addressing its challenges.

6. Challenges and risks

• Data privacy and security: Ensuring data protection while encouraging data sharing for AI development is a key challenge.
• AI skill gaps: While the strategy includes significant efforts to build AI talent, addressing the gap in skilled professionals will take time.
• Ethical AI deployment: Balancing AI innovation with ethical considerations such as fairness, accountability, and transparency remains a complex issue.