An intelligent approach to Al governance

An AI law is urgently needed to help Thailand efficiently deal with the impacts of the evolving technology

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

Thailand has drafted principles for artificial intelligence (AI) legislation as it seeks to establish an Al ecosystem and widen adoption.

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) recently completed an online public hearing on the draft and plans to submit it for cabinet consideration by the end of July.

HOW WAS THAILAND'S AI REGULATORY FRAMEWORK DEVELOPED?

Sak Segkhoonthod, senior advisor at ETDA, said enforcement of AI rules thus far has been based on soft laws or guidelines. An Al law is needed to help Thailand efficiently deal with the impacts of the evolving technology, he said.

Since 2022, Thailand has studied global models, especially the EU's AI Act, and introduced two draft laws: one focused on regulating AI-enabled business services, and another on promoting Al innovation. These two draft laws will be combined to form the basis of the Al law.

Both drafts adopted a risk-based framework, classifying Al systems into prohibited, high risk and general use categories.

ETDA took the lead in promoting Al governance rules, proposing four tiers. The first tier recommends Thailand work with other countries to enhance its global position in Al governance. The country also embraces Unesco's principles to advance Al governance, in line with international ethical standards.

The second tier involves the concept of sectoral regulators overseeing policies in their respective areas.

The third tier focuses on corporate implementation, where organisations adopt practical tools, guidelines and frameworks. ETDA already launched the AI Governance Guidelines for Executives and the Generative AI Governance Guideline for Organisations.

"We have plans to release up to 50 guidelines or tools or checklists, including on AI procurement, job redesign and Al readiness assessment to assist organisations' in their AI transformation," said Mr Sak.