Microsoft Corporation, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), and True Corporation have conducted discussions and exchanged views on the direction of applying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance organizational development and to strengthen the country’s capabilities in an era where AI will play an increasingly vital role across all sectors.
The dialogue covered topics ranging from becoming an AI-first organization, leveraging AI for data analytics and operational efficiency, to the trend of Agentic AI which supports decision-making and automates certain processes. The discussion also included opportunities for CP Group and Microsoft to jointly develop solutions, build upon each party’s infrastructure technology, and explore possibilities to support Thailand’s AI ecosystem going forward.
Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, Senior Vice Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, commented on the country’s development direction in the new global context: “Smart Cities, energy, and AI for public services present significant strategic opportunities for Thailand. The country can learn from global examples such as Singapore and Abu Dhabi to elevate public services, city management, emergency systems, and energy infrastructure – thereby creating efficient, resilient cities and economic systems fit for the future.”
Mr. Suphachai also pointed out that Thailand’s main challenge lies not only in technology but also in upskilling the Thai workforce to keep pace with global changes. Although there are over two million students in higher education in Thailand, many lack the skills demanded by the future digital economy.
Key discussion points included pushing for national standards on AI skills, advancing AI literacy among the broader population, repositioning teachers as facilitators, developing Smart School projects, and collaborating on PPP models with over 50 private sector entities. Further, the implementation of AI tools such as Copilot in teaching, and the development of cloud platforms for effective content moderation, were explored.
On building national competitiveness, Mr. Suphachai emphasized the need for Thailand to urgently create an investment-conducive environment for future industries, especially by supporting startups, attracting venture capital, and developing Thailand into a location for world-class R&D Centers. This would enable Thailand to become not just a technology user, but also a hub for innovation development in the long term. Both the government and the private sector should jointly consider critical measures such as the exemption of capital gains tax for venture capital, the establishment of matching funds, and incentives to promote R&D investment – all designed to build investor confidence and systematically support capital flow into the country’s digital infrastructure.
Mr. Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft Corporation, added: “In the AI era, every occupation must adapt significantly. Work can be classified into three categories: tasks fully automated by AI, tasks requiring human-AI collaboration, and tasks that humans must still perform themselves. In the future, most jobs will require cooperation between people and AI. This means countries must accelerate educational and skill development reform to prepare their workforce for the new economy.”
These discussions among Microsoft, Charoen Pokphand Group, and True Corporation underscore the importance of dialogue between the technology and business sectors in shaping Thailand’s development in the digital age. Digital infrastructure, skills development, education, innovation, and investment are all critical components in positioning Thailand as a center for AI and digital technologies in the region.
