Recently, Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been widely discussed in both the private and government sectors. Subsequently, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, launched the “Thailand National AI Strategy and Action Plan 2022 - 2027”. This has resulted in Thailand’s AI Government Readiness Index, assessed by Oxford Insights, ranking 31st out of 181 countries, which made Thailand the 3rd place in ASEAN, following Singapore and Malaysia, shortly after the unveiling of the concrete AI Strategy and Action Plan. This suggests that the Thai government is prepared to advance and support Thailand’s move toward embracing AI technology and to efficiently adapt these technologies across various industries. In this article, I would like to share my views on how we can prepare to transform our country into the hub of AI and technology in ASEAN.
Firstly, infrastructure development and readiness are key factors in supporting AI and technological advancement in Thailand. This includes enhancing 5G usage to ensure faster AI and technology deployment across all areas, developing cloud computing, and creating platforms for data sharing. Every organization should be able to use this data for their purposes, and a sandbox should be provided for system testing and cooperative evaluation. Moreover, the government should establish policies on data collection, data security, data access, and usage to ensure everyone understands and follows best practices correctly.
Next, we should focus on the development of human capacity, particularly in terms of creating course outlines that align with global standards and current trends. It's also vital to increase the number of teachers and professionals who can offer guidance based on the manpower needs in the market. Moreover, the government and private sectors can collaborate to organize training events aimed at enhancing AI and technology skills for technology experts. In the realm of AI research, the government is a pivotal supporter, providing essential policies and budgets for researchers. This support will foster new knowledge beneficial to the AI industry in the future.
Furthermore, the government sector should consider investing in and launching policies that support researchers and local AI providers utilizing Thai resources. This would enable many businesses to access advanced technology more easily. Given the increasing demand for technology, businesses should consider integrating AI appropriately into their operations. This not only enhances the competitive advantage for Thai businesses but also supports local companies and human resources specializing in technology. By doing so, they can refine their skills and develop digital platforms aimed at continuously enhancing Thai business.
Last but not least, we should focus on PR and Marketing to convey our technological capabilities to international organizations. This will enhance trust among investors worldwide, highlighting that Thailand prioritizes technology. We boast experts who collaborate to develop AI, backed by both the government and private sectors. We can also invite representatives from international organizations to join our conference, aiming to build our brand and showcase the capabilities of Thai organizations and professionals.
The preparation and strategies I mentioned above cannot be executed without the support of both the government and private sectors. Recognizing the importance of AI and preparing for upcoming technological advancements, along with collaboration from your company for adoption, are key drivers for positioning Thailand as the epicenter of AI and technology in ASEAN in the future.