Thailand is developing a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan as it moves toward Thailand 4.0. The plan will advance and improve the country’s technological competitiveness by nurturing talent and creating an ecosystem. The initiative seeks to generate economic growth and social and environmental impacts. The action plan will prepare the country in social, ethical, legal and regulatory areas.
According to Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the action plan aims to promote the development of Artificial Intelligence human resources in Thailand, creating a cadre of at least 13,500 people annually and will also create a central platform for AI services.
“Innovations and technologies are propelling the world forward. As a result, Thailand must expedite the implementation of such matters under the national strategy and various plans. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a relatively new issue in the industry. In the next phase, the government must accelerate research and collaborate with all sectors to use artificial intelligence to develop and upgrade Thailand’s capabilities,” said the Prime Minister.
The government is keen that the public and private sectors work together to develop AI competencies and qualifications by establishing an international accreditation system and has developed training courses and scholarships to cultivate a skilled workforce.
The AI workforce skill set is classified into high, medium and basic levels. For example, researchers and developers of Artificial Intelligence technology make up high-level AI experts. In comparison, people with intermediate levels of artificial intelligence fall under the category of innovators and engineers. Other occupational groups that can use primary AI skills in their occupational groups are considered basic artificial intelligence personnel.
The government will build an integrated national central platform to create an appropriate ecosystem to support AI innovation across all sectors within the country. It will connect and analyse big data and develop advanced computing and infrastructure.
Additionally, the action plan aims to boost national economic growth and improve the quality of life for Thais. The Prime Minister believes that advances in AI will drive next-generation growth and increase the efficiency of government agencies. The plan is expected to increase employment and job creation in the country from personnel with digital skills and AI from 2023 to 2027.
As a result, it can support new ways of working in the country. The value and services of AI products can potentially increase the country’s GDP while also increasing the number of new technology entrepreneurs.
Likewise, the government will establish regulations that facilitate continuous development to support the growth of AI technology. The plan includes the development of national AI regulations, laws, standards and policies, as well as communication and raising awareness of AI ethics. However, he emphasises the importance of carefully crafting the regulation and proper research to respond to the needs and changes in technology. As a result, collaboration and input from all sectors are required.
The government will develop AI technology to encourage innovation in specific sectors, both public and private. Moreover, another significant issue to enable AI to create more economic value is to develop applications, establish mechanisms and sandboxes for business innovation and make AI startups.
AI implementation in governance also makes the government more transparent, allowing citizens equal access to government services. In the end, AI development requires adapting to changes in the modern era and helping to manage the environment and natural resources efficiently.
