Thailand charts bold course in AI development, emphasising ethics and innovation

Thailand is positioning itself as an emerging leader in artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and development, championing an approach that balances technological innovation with ethical considerations and workforce protection, according to one of the country's prominent tech entrepreneurs.

In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Pakorn Leesakul, founder and CEO of Finema, a digital identity solutions provider, believes Thailand's strategic approach to AI governance could set benchmarks for other nations. With over 12 years of experience bridging business, technology, and scientific expertise, he has been instrumental in shaping the country's digital transformation journey.

"Thailand's advantages in fostering its digital economy are multifaceted. We've established robust infrastructure, implemented strategic government initiatives, and are benefiting from a growing tech-savvy population. These foundations are crucial for our AI ambitions," he explained. 

The country's commitment to AI development is evident across various sectors. In healthcare, AI-powered systems are revolutionising medical diagnostics and predictive analytics, whilst the agricultural sector has embraced precision farming and AI-driven crop monitoring to boost productivity and sustainability. The financial sector, too, has integrated AI for enhanced fraud detection and personalised customer services.

The robust digital infrastructure bolstered by government initiatives, including the Thailand 4.0 policy, marks significant advantages that are expected to propel the nation's digital economy to unprecedented heights by 2030. 

Pakorn highlighted that Thailand's burgeoning tech-savvy population, coupled with investments in high-speed internet and 5G technology, is driving consumer demand and creating vast business opportunities.
However, what sets Thailand apart is its emphasis on responsible AI deployment. 

"We're seeing a significant shift towards technologies like decentralised identity (DID) systems, which enhance data security and user privacy," Pakorn noted. "This approach aligns perfectly with Thailand's focus on ethical AI development."

Through his company Finema, he has been working closely with Thai government agencies to implement verifiable credentials and digital certificates, emphasising the importance of standardisation and education in the AI ecosystem. The collaboration between private tech companies and government bodies has been crucial in advancing AI technology within the Thai context.

"Local tech companies play a vital role in driving innovation and fostering talent. By creating tailored AI solutions for local challenges, we're not only boosting our digital economy but also positioning Thailand as a competitive player in the global AI landscape," he stated. 

The recent surge in generative AI has opened new opportunities across various industries. Healthcare providers are leveraging AI for enhanced medical imaging and telemedicine services, whilst the entertainment sector utilises AI for content creation and dynamic user experiences. E-commerce platforms have integrated AI for personalised recommendations and efficient customer service.

Looking ahead, the implications of generative AI are profound, with multiple sectors expected to adapt and thrive due to its capacity to inspire creativity and improve operational efficiencies. By automating various processes, businesses can not only cut costs but also maximise customer satisfaction, which is vital in a competitive market. 

Meanwhile, Pakorn called for the responsible use of AI, stressing the importance of integrating comprehensive training and reskilling programmes to ensure that technology complements human capacity rather than displacing jobs. 

"The key is developing AI technologies that augment human capabilities," he asserted. "We must invest in comprehensive training and reskilling programmes whilst promoting a culture of lifelong learning."

To ensure responsible AI development, Finema has partnered with Thailand's Digital Privacy Agency (DPA) to establish robust standards for data privacy and security while ensuring AI applications are deployed ethically and transparently.

"Our partnership aims to foster innovation whilst safeguarding user rights. This sets a strong foundation for ethical AI practices in Thailand," he explained. 

The collaboration underscores a forward-thinking approach that places user rights at the forefront of technological advancements, mirroring Thailand’s commitment to responsible AI development that builds trust within the digital landscape. 

Thailand's approach to AI regulation and development reflects a careful balance between innovation and public interest. The government's Thailand 4.0 policy, combined with support for digital startups, has created an environment conducive to AI advancement whilst maintaining ethical considerations at its core.

As Thailand continues to evolve its AI capabilities, Pakorn remains optimistic about the future. 

"By aligning our regulatory framework with global best practices whilst maintaining flexibility to adapt to new AI advancements, Thailand is well-positioned to lead in AI governance," he said.

The country's journey in AI development showcases how emerging economies can embrace technological advancement whilst maintaining a strong focus on ethical considerations and societal benefits.  

With an increasing emphasis on education and standardisation, coupled with bold regulatory frameworks, Thailand is not just preparing for a digital future; it is actively shaping one that harmonises innovation with ethical considerations across all levels of society, he said.