Thailand’s Ambitious AI Plans: Challenges and Opportunities

For the past 12 years, I have lived in Thailand, immersing myself in the local tech and startup scene. Over this period, I have founded and operated my digital marketing agency, participated in numerous startups, and attended countless conferences, meetups, and discussions. This extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of the Thai market, government intentions regarding technology, and the capabilities of local Thai developers.

Recently, an article caught my attention. It discussed Thailand’s ambitious plans to become a leader in AI development. Here’s my take on this initiative and its potential impact.

Thailand’s AI Development Plans

The Thai government plans to invest around a billion baht to develop 30,000 AI-skilled individuals within three years. This initiative includes ongoing AI research, the development of a Thai large language model (LLM), and AI-enabled applications. While these goals are commendable, several factors must be considered, particularly the unique challenges the Thai language poses and the country’s existing tech infrastructure.

The Need for a Thai Large Language Model

One of Thailand’s most significant challenges in AI development is the Thai language itself. Unlike Western languages, Thai has a unique grammatical structure, making it difficult to adapt existing language models effectively. Developing a specialised Thai LLM is beneficial and necessary for accurate translations and effective communication tools. Apart from Facebook’s SeamlessM4T, there are limited tools for auto-translation, auto-captioning, and text-to-voice for Thai. Improving these tools will drive greater adoption and growth of AI technologies in Thailand.

A small Thai LLM has already been developed by a local startup, albeit with limited funding and exposure. This initiative should be included in the government’s plans to ensure it is not just another underfunded project but a significant step towards advancing Thai AI capabilities.

The Importance of AI in Thai Education

The quality of education in Thailand, particularly in public schools, is quite low. Introducing AI, specifically through Thai LLMs, can significantly enhance the educational experience. AI can assist teachers in managing large classrooms and provide students with access to advanced learning tools. This would be particularly beneficial in improving the overall education standards in Thailand. While international schools offer a better education, they predominantly teach in English, leaving a gap in quality education for Thai-speaking students.

The Growing Tech Infrastructure

Thailand’s tech infrastructure is expanding, with significant investments from major tech companies. Microsoft, AWS, and Google are all building data centres in the country. This development is crucial as it lays the foundation for advanced AI processing capabilities locally. Having data centres equipped with GPUs in Thailand will enhance AI development and reduce costs by leveraging locally manufactured GPUs from China.

These infrastructure advancements signal a promising future for Thailand’s AI ambitions. However, the real challenge lies in effectively utilising these resources to develop a skilled workforce and foster innovation.

Challenges in Developing AI Talent

The plan to develop 30,000 AI-skilled individuals with a billion baht investment seems ambitious but problematic. Historically, Thailand has struggled with the quality of its tech workforce. A decade ago, finding skilled developers was challenging, with most graduates possessing only basic programming skills. Although the situation has improved, with many skilled developers now available, the quality still does not match international standards.

Large companies like Agoda have driven up developer salaries, creating an inflated market where even junior developers expect high wages. This situation has created a disconnect between developers’ perceived value and skill levels. The Thai education system’s inadequacies further compound this issue, raising questions about the feasibility of rapidly developing such a large number of AI-skilled professionals.

Ensuring Effective Allocation of Funds

There are concerns about how the investment will be allocated. Given Thailand’s issues with corruption and inefficient planning, there is a risk that the funds may not be used effectively. The government’s track record in managing educational and technological initiatives does not inspire confidence. There is a need for transparency and accountability in how these funds are distributed and utilised.

One potential solution is to create a dedicated fund for AI initiatives, focusing on startups and projects directly related to developing Thai AI applications. This fund should be managed by a non-governmental board with third-party oversight to ensure the funds are used appropriately and effectively. Grants should be provided to deserving startups and projects without expecting equity in return to foster innovation and development in the AI sector.

Conclusion

Thailand’s ambition to become an AI leader is a step in the right direction. However, the success of this initiative hinges on addressing the unique challenges posed by the Thai language, improving the quality of education, and ensuring the effective allocation of resources. Thailand can make significant strides in AI development by focusing on developing a Thai LLM and supporting AI applications tailored to the local market. Transparency, accountability, and a strategic approach are crucial to achieving these goals and positioning Thailand as a key player in the global AI landscape.