TLDR: Thailand has emerged as a leading growth market for OpenAI in Southeast Asia, with weekly active ChatGPT users quadrupling in the past year. This surge is driven by the country’s inherent optimism for new technology and strong adoption among young people, particularly for translation, personal development, tutoring, self-care, and writing assistance. The first OpenAI Forum in Thailand emphasized the country’s potential to ‘leapfrog into the future’ across various sectors.
BANGKOK – Thailand is rapidly establishing itself as a premier growth market for artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia, a trend underscored by OpenAI’s recent report revealing a fourfold increase in weekly active ChatGPT users within the country over the past year. These significant figures were unveiled at the inaugural OpenAI Forum, ‘AI LEAP: Turning Today’s Disruption into Tomorrow’s Advantage,’ held in Bangkok on Friday, September 13, 2025. The event convened over 100 business leaders at the House of Wisdom venue, marking a pivotal moment for AI development in the region.
Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, made his first visit to Thailand for the forum. During his address, moderated by prominent media personality Woody Milintachinda, Kwon attributed Thailand’s swift AI adoption to the nation’s intrinsic optimism regarding new technologies. “The difference might actually just come down to optimism and belief,” Kwon stated, highlighting Thailand’s positive outlook and adaptability as key factors positioning it to “leapfrog into the future” across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
New data from OpenAI indicates that the surge in AI usage in Thailand is predominantly driven by young individuals aged 18-24. This demographic is actively integrating ChatGPT into various facets of their daily lives. The top five applications among Thai users include translation services, personal development advice, tutoring and learning support, self-care guidance encompassing health and fitness, and personal writing assistance.
KBTG Group Chairman Ruangroj ‘Krating’ Poonpol, a participant in the forum’s discussions, emphasized the transformative potential of AI to foster more equitable opportunities. “Technology must be a tool for inclusion—to help close the gap, not widen it,” Poonpol asserted. He added, “AI can provide a more level playing field, democratising access to intelligence and enabling young people to learn fast, create, and leapfrog into the future.”
Industry leaders at the forum also highlighted Thailand’s established reputation for creativity and early technology adoption as crucial competitive advantages in the AI landscape. The country has a proven track record of rapid uptake for innovations, ranging from mobile banking to social media platforms. “Thai people are fast learners and fast adopters. It’s in our DNA,” Poonpol remarked, underscoring the combination of adaptability and creativity that could position Thailand as a regional AI leader.
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The forum further stressed that Thailand’s AI growth extends beyond mere consumption, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem. With robust youth adoption, existing governance frameworks, and a commitment to inclusive development, Thailand appears well-positioned to play a significant role in how AI integrates into daily life and future industries across Southeast Asia. This rapid expansion in Thailand mirrors broader regional trends, as Southeast Asian nations increasingly embrace AI technologies for economic and social advancement.
