AI Poised to Reshape Thai Economy Within 3–5 Years
A Federation of Thai Industries poll reveals AI is set to reshape Thailand’s economic structure within three to five years, with 48% of executives already using the technology. Officials call for urgent government action to supply skilled personnel, data, and funding to help SMEs overcome cost barriers and expand AI adoption.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) poll indicates AI will reshape Thailand’s economic structure within three to five years, urging the government to swiftly provide ‘people, data, and funding’ to develop skills, unlock usage, and help SMEs overcome cost pressures. Montri Mahaprukphong, FTI vice‑president, said AI is a crucial tool for increasing efficiency, lowering costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of Thai industry, but effective implementation depends on ready personnel, budget, and data systems, accompanied by supportive measures that enable entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, to access and apply the technology suitably for their business.
The FTI CEO Poll (round 52, September 2026) on ‘Industry perspectives on AI application in industry’ found that 48% of FTI executives have already deployed AI in some units or processes, with many prepared to expand systematically. Office work and customer service showed the highest AI usage scores, followed by business management and forecasting, while AI use in production and supply‑chain management still offers development opportunities.
Regarding expected benefits, most executives said AI will improve operational efficiency by reducing costs, time, and work steps; next, it will speed up and sharpen analysis and decision‑making, as well as raise product and service quality. They also anticipate that AI will change the skill sets organizations require and reduce labor demand in certain processes, highlighting the need to develop workforce capabilities to work alongside technology.
Although executive support is the area where businesses feel most prepared, readiness in AI‑skilled personnel and investment budget remains a major constraint, echoing the 76.5% of respondents who cited personnel and AI skills as a key obstacle to adopting or expanding AI use, followed by unclear budget and return‑on‑investment concerns, as well as insufficient data, digital systems, and infrastructure.
In response, FTI executives urge the government to accelerate workforce skill development, support AI experts to consult with firms, and promote Thai AI solution developers, while also facilitating access to quality data and data sharing, and providing ready‑to‑use AI platforms, tools, or solutions for SMEs, plus establishing trial environments or platforms for businesses to test AI before full investment, allowing them to assess suitability and prepare before scaling up.
Looking ahead three to five years, most FTI executives expect AI to play a significant to very significant role in business operations. Consequently, the FTI is accelerating projects to encourage businesses to adopt AI in production processes, coupled with workforce skill development, data readiness, and equipment support through key initiatives such as the Smart SMEs Digital & AI Camp, the AI‑enabled Provincial Office Capacity‑Building Project, and the INTELLIGENT INDUSTRY project aimed at long‑term productivity and competitiveness gains for Thai industry.
