The National Artificial Intelligence Committee (National AI Committee) convened for the first time on 8 December 2022. Chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the committee is mandated to drive the AI development and application by accelerating infrastructure development, technology and innovation development and skill development through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
In his opening remark, Prime Minister Prayut highlighted the important role of technology and innovation in the modern world. AI has potential to improve the competitiveness of Thailand, especially in driving the next generation growth, as well as increase the efficiency of the government. Chief among the priorities are talent development which will require the cooperation of both the public and private sectors, and a dynamic ecosystem conducive to AI development which the government needs to build. Prime Minister Prayut encouraged government agencies to ramp up the implementation and execution of the National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022 – 2027) which aims at building human capacity and technology, economic growth, and social and environmental impact. He also urged government agencies to involve public participation, especially youths and the new generations, in the design and implementation of activities in order to achieve the common goals.
The following initiatives was approved in the meeting:
- Manpower Development Plan to produce at least 13,500 talents/year covering three groups: 1) advanced level, i.e., researchers and AI developers; 2) intermediate level, i.e., innovators and engineers; and 3) basic level, i.e., other professionals that require basic AI skill suitable to their line of work.
- Establishment of a central platform to provide AI services. The platform will be made available under the framework of Government Data Center and Cloud Service (GDCC) to support AI innovation creation in all sectors.
The National AI Strategy and Action Plan consists of 5 strategies:
- Preparing Thailand’s readiness in social, ethics, law, and regulation for AI application
- Developing national infrastructure for sustainable AI development
- Increasing human capability and improving AI education
- Driving AI technology and innovation development
- Promoting the use of AI in the public and private sectors
The National AI Strategy and Action Plan is expected to 1) create more jobs in digital technology and AI, 2) boost the GDP through added value in the manufacturing and service sectors created by AI, 3) improve access to public services empowered by AI, and 4) increase human capacity in digital technology and AI.