New initiative targets nationwide AI adoption

Three state agencies have launched a project to bring artificial intelligence (AI) access to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), micro-retailers, street vendors and farmers, initially targeting 15,600 businesses and individuals by 2026.

- KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA

The "One Tambon, One Digital [OTOD] AI transformation" initiative will enable them to upgrade businesses with digital and AI solutions, which is expected to generate an economic impact of at least 500 million baht.

Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, president and chief executive of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), said the agency has launched the initiative with the Revenue Department and Board of Investment (BoI) under the "AI Transformation: Adapt to Survive, Transform for the Thai Economy policy" roadmap.

He added that the move is aimed at helping Thailand deal with local and international challenges, including fierce competition, labour shortages, volatile export conditions and changes in technology and consumer behaviour.

Preesan Rakwatin, acting senior executive vice-president at depa, said the OTOD AI Transformation is depa's flagship initiative to stimulate the adoption of digital technology and innovations registered in the Thailand Digital Catalog within the business, industrial and agricultural sectors.