AI in Thai Business: Opportunities or Constant Backlogs?

AI in Thai Business: Opportunities or Constant Backlogs?

In Thailand, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in both business and education is causing a stir and stimulating discussion. But while large companies like Iberia Airlines are already relying on AI agents, many small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) are faced with the challenge of keeping up. Nation of Thailand reports that support for the Thai language from AI models remains patchy. Many of these models are not the best translators, which makes adaptation urgent. However, all of this costs resources that are not available to many SMEs.

Compared to Thailand, Singapore has already made significant progress. Using AWS's Sealion model and various AI applications tailored to local standards, they show what could be possible. The need for Thailand to develop a similar national initiative is undisputed. This means companies in Thailand need to invest now to remain competitive, as models already double in performance every seven months.

Education in transition

As business grapples with AI technology, education is also raising some questions. International Education Day on January 24th highlights the potential of AI in education, especially in the current learning crisis. UNESCO notes that before COVID-19, 128 million young people were out of school in the Asia-Pacific region. Over half of learners do not achieve even basic reading and writing skills by the end of primary school.

Students like 15-year-old Yuparat from Chiang Mai are demanding schools that integrate technologies such as programming and AI. This isn't just lip service; Students want personalized learning that addresses their needs. The government has already launched initiatives such as “Coding for All” to address this desire. However, access to computers remains a major problem. Only 16% of households in Thailand own their own device, and many students lack basic computer skills.

The role of teachers

Teachers are essential to digital transformation. But they face the challenge of keeping up with rapid technological developments. Tanawat Suwannapan, a history teacher in Bangkok, reports that many students have difficulty understanding the answers provided by AI tools. Teachers need support, and initiatives like UNICEF's program, which helps over 500,000 teachers update their technical skills, is a step in the right direction.

There is also an international trend in research on AI in education. Loud Education Server AI-supported tools such as search engines and voice assistants are becoming increasingly important. These changes help to promote learners' information literacy and help counteract the shortage of skilled workers.

In conclusion, both Thai companies and educational institutions face the challenge of meaningfully integrating AI. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to design the offerings in such a way that they benefit all segments of society. The future will show whether Thailand can maintain its position in the digital age or sink into insignificance.