Bangkok: How can the Thai economy survive the AI ??era if it continues to let big corporations monopolize it? The pressing question underscores the labor challenges that the government and private sector must address through collaboration. Following the general election, the new government inevitably faces structural economic challenges, particularly in the labor market, which is being severely challenged by automation and artificial intelligence (AI). This is not just a global trend but a transformative force directly impacting Thai households.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Kitti Sajjawatana, Director of the Area-Based Development Fund Management Unit (ABDFMU), emphasized that technology is no longer a distant concept. The free-market economic structure means that global changes affect labor across all sectors, from industry and services to agriculture. Without supporting measures, the advent of AI and automation could put 8-10 million Thai workers at risk of losing their jobs in the long term.
However, this transition will not happen suddenly but will gradually unfold over approximately 10 years, with social "catalysts" such as the COVID-19 crisis accelerating the process. Therefore, the important thing is not to panic, but to be "aware" and systematically prepare.
The role of the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) as an agency supporting research for area development is to utilize research and innovation as tools for creating change. This includes upgrading the grassroots economy, reducing inequality, and developing human resources to align with future industries, without focusing on just one dimension, but connecting the entire country, regions, and people.
Thailand's strengths that should not be overlooked include its biodiversity, cultural capital, and creative service industries. These are "value-based" economies that are more difficult to replace by AI than other sectors. If the government designs policies correctly, prevents large corporations from monopolizing these sectors, and provides local businesses and SMEs with fair opportunities to connect to global markets, the Thai economy still has room for growth and equitable income distribution.
The key to preparing for the AI era is serious investment in reskilling and upskilling, which must be done in conjunction with the business sector. Universities and research institutions should act as "incubators," not just producers of knowledge, but as connectors of people, capital, technology, and markets.
Ultimately, Thailand stands at a crucial crossroads. The choice is between a model of rapid but concentrated growth or a slower but more diversified and sustainable growth approach. The answer doesn't lie solely with AI, but depends on the policies, system design, and collaborative decision-making of both the state and society.