Thailand prepares for national AI strategy’s 2nd phase
The development of an artificial intelligence (AI) workforce and the creation of a Thai large language model (ThaiLLM) are among the six proposed flagship projects under the second phase of Thailand's national AI strategy and action plan.
Bangkok (VNA) – The development of an artificialintelligence (AI) workforce and the creation of a Thai large language model(ThaiLLM) are among the six proposed flagship projects under the second phase of Thailand's national AI strategy and action plan.
Chai Wutiwiwatchai, deputy chairman of the National AIPolicy and Action Plan Steering Committee, said a new National AI Committee ispending appointment by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and plans to beginimplementing the second phase for 2024-27.
🎶 An estimated budget of 1.5 billion THB (42 million USD) isrequired for these projects, with 1 billion THB dedicated to the development of30,000 AI-skilled workers, including engineers and beginners.
The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center(NECTEC), secretary of the steering committee, recently held a confidentialhearing where details of the proposed projects were shared by associatedorganisations.
Tiranee Achalakul, president of the Big Data Institute, saidTravel Link is the institute's AI project to combine tourism data with AI torecommend tourism attraction, elaborating that they will use generative AI tomake a tourism chatbot.
According to Tiranee, Travel Link is expected to help localcommunities earn more revenue from tourism through the insight of travellers.
Nakarin Amarase, senior vice-president for external affairsat Siam Commercial Bank, said the use of AI to strengthen the fraud detectionsystem is essential to reduce losses from financial fraud.
From March 17, 2023 to Feb 29, 2024, losses from cybercrimetotalled 27 billion THB (750 million USD) from an average of 645 cases per day, he said.
🌊 Kobkrit Viriyayudhakorn, president of the AI EntrepreneurAssociation of Thailand, said ThaiLLM is an important project which is expected to require a budget of 120 million THB tocreate an open source ThaiLLM foundation and chatbots to offer information onhealth, travel and the environment.
They aim to employ 590 AI workers for theproject and encourage the creation of Thai AI startups, reducing both costs and reliance onforeign AI, he added./.
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has engaged in discussions to exchange opinions, seek solutions, and address the challenges of Thailand transitioning into an aging society and the younger generation's reluctance to have children.
Thailand is estimated to receive 36 million foreign tourists in 2024, thanks to the improving economy and the government’s supporting policies, according to the Kasikorn Research Centre (KResearch).
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan on March 10 worked with forestry officials from 17 northern provinces to seek measures to combat forest fires.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Illustrative image (Source: iStock) 
