Thailand Approves AI and Automation Investment Program to Boost Domestic Businesses

Thailand has approved 55 new projects under its National Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, targeting AI, automation, digital technology, R&D and green-industry upgrades. The latest round covers 48 Business Transformation projects with THB3.54 billion of investment and THB1.663 billion in support, plus seven Skill Bridge projects aimed at building the workforce needed for future industries. Key figures / indicators: 55 new projects; THB3.54bn investment under Business Transformation; THB1.663bn funding; cumulative supported projects 108, with THB4.825bn in total funding; around 1,500 jobs expected and knowledge transfer to more than 3,800 supply-chain businesses. Why it matters: The programme directly addresses a key weakness in Thailand’s investment model: large inflows into advanced industries have not yet translated sufficiently into productivity gains for Thai SMEs and suppliers. The IFC estimates only about 12% of Thai companies currently use AI and that the country lacks roughly 80,000 AI professionals, making domestic adoption and skills development increasingly urgent.