TLDR: Thailand’s National Artificial Intelligence Committee has approved a 25 billion baht (approximately US$770 million) budget for AI development over the 2026-2027 fiscal years. The investment aims to boost the country’s competitiveness, improve public services, and enhance quality of life through AI integration, establishing nine specialized AI Centres of Excellence and fostering public-private partnerships.
Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant move to solidify its position as a regional leader in technological innovation, Thailand’s National Artificial Intelligence Committee has given its stamp of approval to a substantial budget framework of at least 25 billion baht, equivalent to approximately US$770 million. This strategic investment is earmarked for the acceleration of artificial intelligence development across the nation during the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.
The decision, announced following a recent committee meeting, underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging AI as a pivotal mechanism for national advancement. Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Digital Economy and Society Minister, emphasized that the National AI Programme is designed to enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness, elevate economic and social conditions, and ultimately improve the quality of life for its citizens through comprehensive AI integration.
A cornerstone of this ambitious plan is the establishment of nine specialized AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs). These hubs are intended to serve as focal points for expertise and innovation across diverse strategic sectors. The approved CoEs include: an AI Innovation Centre for Education, a Creative Industry Innovation Centre, an AI Agricultural Innovation Centre, an AI for Tourism Excellence Centre, an AI Health and Wellness Centre, an AI Manufacturing Excellence Centre, a Thai Language Large Model Consortium (ThaiLLM), a Government AI Processing Centre, and an AI Product Standards and Competency Testing Centre. Furthermore, the committee has agreed in principle to explore a tenth centre dedicated to AI Safety and Security.
Beyond the creation of these centers, the initiative also prioritizes fostering robust collaboration between government agencies and private enterprises through the formation of AI consortiums. This collaborative approach is expected to fast-track AI adoption across both public and private sectors, encouraging joint ventures, technology sharing, and policy alignment.
The allocated budget outlines specific funding priorities: 6 billion baht will be dedicated to developing a skilled AI workforce, 5 billion baht will support the establishment and operation of the Centres of Excellence, and an additional 2 billion baht is allocated for the creation of a National Data Bank, crucial for supporting data infrastructure and policy.
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The National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) is poised to play a leading role in several of these CoEs, particularly in areas such as medical technology, education systems, computing infrastructure, and the development of AI product standards. Initial priorities include streamlining regulatory processes for AI-enabled medical devices and integrating AI curricula across all educational levels, from primary schools to vocational institutions, to build foundational knowledge and long-term national capacity. Each CoE is tasked with preparing detailed sub-sector action plans for both readiness and implementation, with a deadline set for September 2025. Further agency assignments and budget allocations are expected to be finalized in subsequent committee meetings, as Thailand moves to operationalize this significant national AI strategy.
