Thai Govt Approves 55 Projects to Boost AI and Automation, Enhancing Workforce Skills

The Thai government has approved 55 new projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of domestic businesses and their adaptation to new industries, with a focus on the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies. This initiative is part of a broader effort utilizing the country's Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. On September 9th, a subcommittee under the fund, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, greenlit projects under two main measures: 1. Business Transformation: A total of 48 projects were approved to boost corporate competitiveness. These projects involve a total investment of approximately 3.54 billion baht, with government support amounting to about 1.663 billion baht. The initiatives will support research and development, the adoption of modern technologies, automation, digital solutions, AI, and the transition to green industries. The core objective is to equip Thai businesses with the technological capability and efficiency to grow alongside future industrial advancements. Including previously approved projects, the Business Transformation measure has now endorsed a total of 66 projects, with a combined investment of approximately 5.806 billion baht and total government support of about 2.796 billion baht. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) estimates that these projects will generate an annual revenue increase of around 3.9 billion baht and boost domestic procurement of raw materials, parts, and services by over 7.1 billion baht annually. 2. Skill Bridge: Seven projects were approved for the development of high-skilled personnel for new industries, with a support budget of approximately 307 million baht, aiming to train over 10,000 individuals. Combined with earlier approvals, the Skill Bridge measure now encompasses 42 projects with total support of about 2.029 billion baht, targeting the development of approximately 76,728 personnel. Personnel development programs undergo rigorous evaluation regarding curriculum standards, alignment with industry needs, trainer expertise, and training readiness to ensure that acquired skills are practically applicable and enable Thai workers to take on higher-skilled, higher-value jobs. "The government's challenge today is not just how to attract more investment, but how to ensure that such investments create more opportunities for Thai businesses and people," stated the government spokesperson. The emphasis is on accelerating Thai businesses' access to AI, automation, and new technologies, alongside developing a workforce that meets industry demands. With the latest approvals, the cumulative number of projects supported under both Business Transformation and Skill Bridge reaches 108, with total government support amounting to approximately 4.825 billion baht. The 55 projects approved on September 9th are part of this larger cumulative figure. The government aims for investment promotion to go hand-in-hand with strengthening the domestic economy, fostering technological upgrading of Thai companies, developing human capital, increasing domestic procurement, and transferring knowledge. This strategy seeks to position Thailand not merely as an investment destination but as a nation where Thai entrepreneurs and workforce can grow and create added value alongside future industries. Source: INN News