Suphachai Chearavanont Urges Government to Accelerate AI Nation Development, Positioning Thailand as ASEAN's Tech and Innovation Hub

Suphachai Chearavanont Urges Government to Accelerate AI Nation Development, Positioning Thailand as ASEAN's Tech and Innovation Hub

Today, May 15, 2025, the government opened the forum "Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens" to gather business sector vision for driving Thailand's modern economy. Suphachai Chearavanont, a private sector representative from CP and Arise Ventures Group, proposed five agenda items to transform the nation's future, highlighting the world's first AI Government, startup ecosystem development, global talent attraction, establishing Thailand as a regional tech hub, and accelerating a new economy powered by clean energy and green economy.

During discussions between the government and private sector under "The Listening Forum: Voices to the PM – Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens" held at Government House, Suphachai Chearavanont, senior vice president of Charoen Pokphand Group and chairman and chief executive officer of Arise Ventures Group, presented multidimensional visions to the government. He emphasized that "Thailand is at a critical turning point" requiring acceleration in building a new economic structure based on technology, innovation, and human development to compete in the AI era and new geopolitical landscape.

The most critical starting point is "creating a startup ecosystem and developing human resources." Thailand should support seed funds and provide opportunities for younger generations to test new ideas in building small, medium, and large-scale businesses for the future, while upgrading the Thai education system significantly by incorporating AI, computing science, and digital technology curricula from elementary level onwards, coupled with instilling AI governance principles and responsible technology use.

"Thailand currently has over 2 million undergraduate students and over 9 million students in basic education. If we upgrade AI and technology skills for younger generations, Thailand would experience a tremendous leap in human resources," Chearavanont said.

Simultaneously, he proposed that Thailand accelerate the development of cloud platforms and digital infrastructure to filter inappropriate content and support creative content, enabling children and youth to access the internet, computers, and technology learning comprehensively. This includes upgrading vocational education to align with the future digital economy.

Another important point Chearavanont raised was attracting quality personnel from around the world, viewing Thailand's potential as a "Global Talent Destination" to draw talent in fields where Thailand lacks expertise, bringing new technology leaders or specialists in scarce fields to create jobs and new economic growth. This could be achieved through appropriate incentive design regarding taxation, quality of life, innovation ecosystems, and employment opportunities.

"Thailand has strengths in food, tourism, culture, and quality of life, which people worldwide appreciate. With proper supporting systems, Thailand can attract substantial world-class talent in the long term," Chearavanont said. He proposed that attracting personnel with advanced knowledge and skills would become a crucial mechanism for creating a new economy and elevating Thailand's competitive capabilities.

Regarding technology, Chearavanont suggested that the world is transitioning from "Digital Government" to "AI Government," which will rapidly transform country governance. He cited Estonia as an example, successfully establishing a digital ID system and world-class innovation ecosystem.