CP Chief Urges AI Talent, Water Reform to Drive Thai Growth
CP Group Senior Chairman Thinin Jiaravanon told THE STANDARD ECONOMIC FORUM 2026 that Thailand's economic growth hinges on developing an AI-ready workforce, securing energy for new industries, and systematic water management to unlock agricultural potential. He stressed continuous learning, robotics investment, and efficiency gains to deliver quality products at affordable prices.
Speaking on the forum's "World-Class Thinking Thai Transformation" panel, moderated by The Standard CEO Nakarin Wanapibul, Thinin emphasized that human capital development is the starting point for technological transformation. Thailand has skilled workers worldwide, he noted, and should create conditions for both Thai and foreign experts to collaborate. Continuous learning across all generations is essential because past experience may not suffice in new environments.
Thinin said those who master AI can amplify their capabilities and access tools once reserved for large organizations, enabling small teams to produce films and creative works. He believes new businesses and job formats will emerge despite transitional employment impacts, stressing the need to equip people with adaptable skills.
CP Group is importing global knowledge to design AI curricula for staff to apply directly to real work, boosting efficiency. The younger generation drives this shift while experienced employees must also embrace new learning.
The conglomerate is also co-investing in robotics development for agriculture, industry, retail, and distribution centers to raise precision and efficiency, especially in food production where quality and safety are paramount. AI accelerates robot training, though robots must still be tailored to specific tasks with reliability and real-world applicability.
Organizations must prepare future skills and roles for employees today so the workforce grows alongside the business. "We must hurry to create future jobs for current people," Thinin said.
He underscored that technology adoption must yield "good quality, affordable price" products — better quality, safer, and at appropriate cost — so consumers benefit. In an era of global price comparison, efficiency across the entire chain from production to logistics is critical.
