|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), Mr Prasert Chantararuangthong, is driving a transformative initiative to enhance the nation’s digital landscape. This plan focuses on strategically integrating advanced technologies, aiming to position Thailand as a leading Digital Economy Hub. Emphasising stability, sustainability, and global competitiveness, the Ministry’s vision is anchored in the belief that digital innovation is critical to the country’s future economic growth and international standing.
At the core of this transformation is the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimising business operations and enhancing online safety. The Ministry’s collaboration with a global tech giant from the U.S. and other strategic partners highlights a commitment to integrating AI across vital sectors, including tourism promotion and international trade.
“In the tourism sector, AI tools are revolutionising marketing strategies. In partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry is deploying AI-driven insights to understand market trends and consumer preferences better,” said Mr Prasert Chantararuangthong.
He believes that this approach allows tourism businesses to tailor their offerings to meet the demands of a digital-savvy global audience, thereby strengthening their competitive edge. AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data quickly and accurately means that businesses can make informed decisions in real-time, improving their strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving market.
Similarly, in international trade, AI-driven platforms are being leveraged to expand market access for Thai businesses. AI facilitates this by automating processes, predicting market trends, and identifying potential trade partners, thereby boosting Thai businesses’ global presence. This AI-enabled expansion is particularly crucial as Thailand seeks to increase its exports and integrate more deeply into the global economy.
To ensure the success of this digital transformation, the Ministry is introducing a range of supportive initiatives. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) plays a vital role in this effort by offering tax incentives to entrepreneurs who invest in digital technologies. These incentives are designed to lower financial barriers, making it easier for businesses to adopt the latest technological advancements.
In addition to financial incentives, the Ministry is also focused on creating a secure and ethical digital environment. New legal frameworks are being developed to protect data and promote the responsible use of AI. “These regulations are crucial in fostering a safe online space where businesses can operate without fear of cyber threats or data breaches,” explained Mr Prasert Chantararuangthong. “By prioritising data protection and ethical AI use, the Ministry ensures that the digital economy is innovative, trustworthy, and sustainable.”
Recognising that technology alone is insufficient, the Ministry invests in human capital. Training programmes are being rolled out in collaboration with the private sector to equip the workforce with essential AI skills. These programmes ensure that professionals at all levels are prepared to meet the digital economy’s demands. Thailand can maximise the benefits of AI and other emerging technologies by building a digitally literate workforce.
The enhancement of Thailand’s National AI Action Plan further underscores this commitment to skill development. Establishing a specialised subcommittee on AI economy development will focus on revising laws to support AI innovation, promoting ethical AI practices, and expanding AI competency training across various sectors.
“This holistic approach ensures that Thailand’s workforce can use AI and is adept at managing its moral implications,” Mr Prasert Chantararuangthong reiterated. This use of digital technology to amplify Thailand’s soft power is a strategic move to increase the country’s influence and appeal on the world stage.
Thailand’s strategy for digital transformation is comprehensive and forward-thinking, focusing on the strategic integration of AI, robust public-private collaboration, and a supportive regulatory environment. By prioritising these elements, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is positioning Thailand as a leader in the global digital economy.
