New DES minister urged to prioritise AI

Associations call for many digital reforms

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

Three major industry organisations are urging Mr Chaichanok to prioritise the national AI policy.

Three major industry organisations are urging Chaichanok Chidchob, the incoming digital economy and society (DES) minister, to prioritise the national artificial intelligence (AI) policy and sovereign technology development.

They said he should also enhance digital service tax collection to reduce the digital deficit, combat online scams, and strengthen Thailand’s online export capabilities.

“Thailand has a critical window of less than five years to successfully adapt and integrate AI. The nation’s future economic trajectory — success or decline — depends on the actions taken now by its people and leaders,” Djitt Laowatana, executive director and chairman of the Robotics and AI Committee of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, told the Bangkok Post.

The ministry must lead the transition to an AI government, he added.

National Telecom (NT) should be the core operational agency within the DES ministry, due to its strong existing facilities, he noted.

The previous government established a National AI Committee, chaired by the prime minister. While the committee only held meetings twice and lacked a list of top priorities, its establishment was a crucial step in reshaping Thailand’s economy in the future, Mr Djitt added.

“Instead of relying solely on foreign AI platforms, Thailand should allocate a budget to train local talent to develop its own platforms,” he said.