The stakeholders engaged in collaborative discourse to formulate the national AI strategy for Thai industry

The APO and the Thailand Productivity Institute (FTPI) has embarked on a collaborative endeavor to spearhead a transformative initiative and enhance Thailand’s productivity through AI. The ongoing project on the development of a national AI strategy to enhance industry productivity in Thailand was implemented under the Specific National Program (SNP) for member economies and commenced in December 2024. It aims to position Thailand as a leader in AI adoption for industrial growth. This project is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive national AI strategy and training initiative, which has so far involved three main activities: interviews with stakeholders conducted in December 2024 and January 2025, a strategy development workshop conducted on 17–21 February 2025, and a training program on 24–28 February 2025 to pilot test the preliminary design of the AI productivity specialist curriculum.

The strategy development workshop provided critical insights into the challenges and opportunities for AI-driven productivity in Thailand, shaping the next phase of its national AI strategy. Stakeholders reviewed emerging priorities and contributed perspectives ahead of the final workshop. Key findings highlighted essential enablers such as robust policies, digital infrastructure, workforce development, and sustainability. However, major barriers persist, including data fragmentation, weak governance, policy misalignment, and a widening AI skills gap. Budget constraints and job displacement fears further slow AI adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. To address these challenges, the FTPI is expected to expand AI training programs and develop a formal certification pathway for AI productivity specialists, ensuring the workforce is equipped for the evolving digital economy. An AI productivity specialist curriculum is currently being developed and tested through the project to targeted industry participants.

The project engaged approximately 35 individuals from around 30 public and private organizations in its survey and interview phases to shape the foundation for strategy development. Additionally, 32 participants took part in the training sessions. Scheduled for completion in June 2025, the project will culminate in the launch of the national AI strategy for productivity and the AI productivity specialist curriculum. A team of US-based resource persons is leading the facilitation.