Thailandโ€™s govt backs AI industry and boosts digital infrastructure

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government is ready to support the AI industry and enhance the countryโ€™s digital infrastructure. The statement was made at the Microsoft Build: AI Day Event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where he welcomed around 2,000 developers and business and technology leaders.

โ€œAI has changed many aspects of our lives, workplaces, and business operations. Thailand is now ready for AI, and we are moving to fully back the AI industry.โ€

PM Srettha also affirmed that the countryโ€™s digital infrastructure is ready for the future.

Thailand is among the nations with the strongest Internet and digital infrastructure in the region, featuring broadband internet, mobile connectivity, 5G infrastructure, and an international submarine cable network. The Ignite Thailand vision, initiated in February, is a testament to the governmentโ€™s goal to transform Thailand into a regional hub across eight key industries.

The 62 year old prime minister explained that an integral part of this vision is to make Thailand the digital economy hub of the region, if not the world. This goal involves attracting future high-tech industries and fostering a secure digital ecosystem, including infrastructure providers and developers.

Since taking office last September, Bangkok-born Srettha highlighted the governmentโ€™s efforts in implementing several key policies to boost Thailandโ€™s competitiveness and global standing. The government is pushing forward the second phase of the national AI strategy and action plan for 2024 to 2027 to leverage AI and cloud computing in the country.

The Thai prime minister also mentioned the Board of Investmentโ€™s decision to include the digital industry among the strategic investment options. This decision comes with an extensive investment incentive package designed to encourage digital-related activities.

AI industry

Furthermore, the government is focusing on the transition to green energy. PM Srettha asserted that businesses need renewable energy to meet their net-zero targets. The government is committed to achieving global climate change commitments and having 50% of energy production come from renewable sources by 2040.

In partnership with digital powerhouses like Microsoft, the government plans to establish a sustainability sandbox to stimulate environmental innovation. The prime minister expressed pleasure at learning that Thailandโ€™s commitment to progress aligns with Microsoftโ€™s vision. The government and Microsoft signed a memorandum of understanding last November to advance the vision of a cloud-first, AI-powered Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

โ€œMicrosoft will participate in the effort to develop our human resources and help increase access to education and opportunities for local communities nationwide.โ€™

PM Srettha concluded by expressing optimism about the collaboration with Microsoft, stating that it will lead to a brighter future and that the government is dedicated to making Thailand an ideal destination for the digital industry.

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Mitch Connor

Mitch is a Bangkok resident, having relocated from Southern California, via Florida in 2022. He studied journalism before dropping out of college to teach English in South America. After returning to the US, he spent 4 years working for various online publishers before moving to Thailand.

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