Thailand slips in global digital race: Urgent tech policy shake-up

Thailand’s digital prowess took a hit, dropping two spots to 37th globally in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2024. The ranking, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), evaluated 67 countries and economic zones across three key metrics: knowledge, technology, and future readiness.

With an overall score of 65.45, Thailand is now third in digital competitiveness in the ASEAN region, trailing powerhouse Singapore, which led the global ranking with a perfect 100, and Malaysia, positioned just one place ahead in 36th. The top five slots worldwide are held by Singapore, Switzerland (93.15), Denmark (91.99), the United States (91.31), and Sweden (90.42).

Breaking down Thailand’s scores reveals a mixed performance. The kingdom earned 57.37 in digital knowledge, ranking 40th, 72.72 in digital technology at 23rd, and 59.26 in future readiness, positioned 41st globally. While Thailand made modest improvements in knowledge and future readiness, each climbing by one spot, its digital technology ranking slid by seven places, suggesting room for improvement.

Theeranan Srihong, president of the Thailand Management Association (TMA), underscored the need for progress, particularly in AI development.

“Thailand must promote the development of AI research and innovation in the commercial sector.”

This call includes updating policies on AI, enhancing copyright laws, and addressing software piracy.

In addition, Theeranan highlighted the need to boost Thailand’s talent pool in science and technology.

“We need more scientific and technical personnel,” he said, urging authorities to attract foreign expertise and improve patent laws to stimulate innovation.

Despite showing moderate gains in computer science education, a new indicator in this year’s rankings, Thailand’s curriculum needs further enhancement to keep pace with rapid digital transformation, reported The Nation.

In related news, in a high-stakes meeting at Bangkok City Hall, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair sat down with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionise public management.