Bangkok: Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party and opposition leader in the House of Representatives, has announced a groundbreaking five-tiered AI strategy aimed at transforming Thailand from a purchaser to a creator in the global AI landscape. The announcement was made during an event organized under the theme "Where will Thailand stand when AI is changing the world?" which gathered technology experts and software developers to collaborate on a national AI strategy.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong criticized the current "Anutin 2" government for not convening the national AI board, which is chaired by the Prime Minister, while hastily pushing the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to develop the TH-AI Passport. He highlighted the need for a cohesive national AI plan, emphasizing that the responsibility should lie with the National AI Committee, which has not met since the government of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Mr. Nattapong outlined the People's Party's proposal for a new National AI Plan focusing on three core objectives: shifting from buyers to creators, fostering AI investments that have spillover effects across related industries, and enhancing Thailand's bargaining power in the global arena. He expressed concern over Thailand's stagnant GDP growth and the pressure from major powers, advocating for a strategy that would expand policy options and choices for Thailand, both domestically and in collaboration with the ASEAN region.
The proposed AI strategy is divided into five levels, starting with positioning Thailand as a clean energy hub by liberalizing the energy sector, an initiative that could attract significant private investment and require an estimated 400 billion baht over 12 years. Mr. Nattapong also raised concerns about the allocation of funds, questioning the transparency of the bidding process and the usage of emergency decree funds.
The second level of the strategy focuses on semiconductors, with a call for strategic alignment and promotion of emerging technologies like photonics. The third level emphasizes data sovereignty, advocating for the establishment of high-value datasets to enhance bargaining power. The fourth and fifth levels focus on developing relevant AI algorithms and applications, respectively, with the government playing a pivotal role as the first customer to promote Thai entrepreneurship.
Mr. Nattapong reiterated his commitment to transforming Thailand's role in the AI sector, advocating for a shift from importing to creating and emphasizing the government's role in supporting local entrepreneurs. The People's Party's vision for AI underscores the importance of strategic investments and collaborations to secure Thailand's position in the evolving AI landscape.