Microsoft Thailand chief stresses need for massive training programme to equip everyone with AI skills
Thailand can strategically position itself to become an artificial intelligence hub in Asia, fuelled by investment in data centres, a commitment to green energy availability and accelerated training, says the managing director of Microsoft Thailand.
“Thailand is in a great position for investment in digital services,” Dhanawat Suthumpun said during a panel discussion at the Bangkok Post Economic Forum 2025 on Friday.
“AI offers an amazing opportunity, and I hope Thailand can unlock the challenges we face today and create a lot of opportunities.”
For example, AI can be used to provide real-time data on supply and demand, enabling the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) to offer “MOC GPT” as a platform where exporters can access services.
AI can also be used to empower and transform all sectors, provide inclusive education, offer co-coaching with teachers and address workforce gaps, he said.
Mr Dhanawat urged organisations to embrace AI at scale.
Thailand has strong potential to attract foreign investment thanks to its strategic geographical location, power availability and digital talent, he said.
Microsoft invested $80 billion globally in 2024, and is committed to spending $100 billion this year on AI, data centres and cloud infrastructure.
“This global investment includes data centres in Thailand through our partnerships,” said Mr Dhanawat.
In addition, Microsoft Thailand has invested several million dollars in programmes to train 1.6 million users.
He said Thailand should harness AI to shift its focus from a labour-intensive, volume-based model to a high-value, innovation-driven economy. This requires a massive national training programme and strong public-private investment partnerships, said Mr Dhanawat.
AI training at scale essential
With AI tools rapidly becoming more widely available to businesses, the competitive edge lies in a workforce’s ability to use them effectively, he said.
The immediate priority is a massive training programme to equip all Thais and companies with the necessary AI skills to generate business impact.
“Being a ‘second-fastest follower’ is a losing strategy in a modern, differentiated economy,” said Mr Dhanawat.
“Thailand must position itself at the forefront of innovation.”
He said a major obstacle to transformation, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is financial constraints on investment in new technology.
While SMEs recognise AI’s benefits, many are focused on survival and lack the capital for digital transformation, said Mr Dhanawat.
The country needs a public-private partnership model similar to Singapore, where the government offers significant subsidies to SMEs for AI investment, he said.
Without co-investment or subsidies, SMEs risk being trapped — aware of the need to transform but unable to afford the initial investment, said Mr Dhanawat.