Thailand on course to become regional AI hub

Thailand is positioning itself as a regional artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse by prioritising the development of small language models (SLMs) to serve specific sectors and expand the use of Al applications across industries.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

It will also stimulate Al demand through public procurement of AI projects worth at least 2 billion baht.

The country is laying the groundwork for comprehensive Al regulations and governance frameworks to ensure responsible and sustainable adoption.

“Thailand must actively compete in the global Al race by building its own capabilities, rather than relying solely on foreign technologies,” Sak Segkhoonthod, senior advisor at the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), said during the “AI Strategy Thailand: Where Do We Stand in the World?” seminar held yesterday as part of Bangkok AI Week 2025, which will run until Friday.

He emphasised the urgency for Thailand to define its role in the global AI landscape. While Thailand is not yet a global tech leader, the nation was ranked seventh out of 125 economies worldwide for momentum in digital economic growth in the 2025 Digital Evolution Index.

This demonstrates that, with the right strategic approach, Thailand is well-positioned to emerge as a regional AI powerhouse, Mr Sak added.