Thai Universities Partner on AI and Economic Growth Seminar
Thai universities and government officials convened an "AI and Economic Development" seminar on August 18 to equip workers with skills for Thailand's digital economy and showcase the nation's innovation infrastructure.
King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi partnered with Bangkok Today news agency to organize the "AI and Economic Development" seminar, aiming to upgrade skills for 20 million Thai workers and drive the new-economy growth while preparing Thailand's business, industrial, and education sectors. On August 18, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yoschchanan Wongsawat chaired the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote on "AI and Economic Development." University Rector Thaninthorn Silapcharoen outlined the event's objectives, with support from ministry secretary Chaturin Chanhorm, Deputy Permanent Secretary Pinthapim Arunee, and University Council Chairman Theerawut Bunyosophon. The seminar featured speakers including Bank of Thailand spokesperson Chayavadee Chaiyananth, Bangkok Bank Asset Management CEO Rak Vorakij Phochathan, True Corporation executive Montri Sathaporn, and engineering professor Atthakorn Kaengpol, moderated by the Faculty of Information Technology and Digital Innovation's Dr. Thanawat Techaharungnawat. Business representatives, students, and the public attended in large numbers.
Afterward, the minister and executives toured several key laboratories and innovation centers at the university to showcase its technological infrastructure capabilities: the KMUTNB Techno Park, featuring digital innovation and learning centers, automated systems and robotics operations, and modern automotive technology and rail transport innovation centers; the Science and Technology Research Institute's Central Lab on floor 1, offering international-standard testing and research services for Thai entrepreneurs and industry; and the Thai-French Innovation Institute, showcasing the Schneider Electric Center of Excellence for electrical-electronic and automatic control systems, and modern renewable energy on floor 3, reflecting an advanced workforce upskilling collaboration in automation and clean energy.
The visit demonstrated King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi's readiness as a leading higher-education institution integrating research, innovation, and advanced technology knowledge to address national strategy and sustainably enhance the country's competitive capability.
