Tag: Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA Thailand)

Thailand has successfully concluded the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2025), held from 24–27 June at Centara Grand, Bangkok. With over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries, the forum served as a key platform for global dialogue on responsible, inclusive, and human-centric AI development.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the forum and presented the government’s vision of “AI for Every Human”, focused on using AI to enhance quality of life across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, while addressing digital threats through literacy and protection. PM announced a landmark investment of USD 15.4 billion in AI, aiming to drive at least THB 4 billion in economic value by 2027.

A central highlight was the launch of the AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC) the first in Asia-Pacific set to become a regional hub for AI ethics, with support toward UNESCO Category 2 Centre status.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society H.E. Mr. Prasert reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to AI that aligns with ethical principles and national priorities. The government targets 90,000 trained AI specialists, 50,000 developers, and outreach to over 10 million users, under the National AI Strategy.

Discussions also advanced the Global Network of AI Supervising Authorities (GNAIS), aiming to create global codes of conduct rooted in human rights and inclusivity. Thailand’s leadership in AI governance was further reinforced through bilateral engagements, including with Indonesia (AI ethics), Malaysia (smart cities and digital gaming), and India, focusing on expert exchange and project development.

Thailand also endorsed UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) as a tool to guide AI policy, regulation, workforce development, and open data practices across ASEAN. A key milestone was the tripartite MoU between ETDA, NECTEC, and DataDotOrg to develop 10,000 AI/data professionals and create a sustainable AI education ecosystem.

Youth engagement was prominent, with over 200 Thai students participating in the “AI for Children” session. Citing UNICEF data, Thailand launched initiatives such as the Digital Vaccine powered by DQ, YDCD, and Digitally Ready, aiming to build AI-ready schools in over 10 countries by 2026.

GFEAI 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in positioning Thailand as a strategic and ethical leader in AI—both in Southeast Asia and globally. The forum underscored Thailand’s readiness to take an active role in shaping international AI governance, while laying the groundwork for a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. For continued updates and highlights from GFEAI 2025, please visit ETDA Thailand’s official website.

Thailand has affirmed its commitment to ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence by hosting the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025, a Center to Support AI for Economy, Society, and Human Rights at Centara Grand at CentralWorld from June 24 to 27. The event brought together representatives from 104 countries. In her keynote speech, H.E. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated, “AI is no longer the future, it is the power shaping our present,” emphasizing that Thailand is ready to lead the region in ensuring AI serves the public good and leaves no one behind.

The Prime Minister outlined Thailand’s three key AI priorities: harnessing AI for positive impact in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education; addressing threats such as disinformation and deepfakes; and putting people at the center of the AI transition. She stressed that AI must support workers, not replace them, and urged investment in reskilling to protect human dignity.

Thailand’s National AI Strategy, led by the National AI Committee, aims to drive social and economic transformation through AI by 2027, targeting at least 4 billion baht in value creation. A central focus is on empowering SMEs to apply AI tools that lower costs, boost productivity, and enhance global competitiveness.

During the Forum, the Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on AI ethics, with Thailand’s AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC) designated as a key regional partner. AIGPC will support capacity building, certification programs, and knowledge-sharing across Asia-Pacific.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Chandraruangthong, reaffirmed Thailand’s alignment with UNESCO’s ethical AI framework. Thailand has adopted the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to evaluate its AI readiness, which will inform future investments and policy development.

To engage the public, Thailand is also organizing Bangkok AI Week 2025 under the theme “AI Powered Nation: Unleashing the Digital Economy for All,” featuring exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events across the city.

For updates, follow Facebook: ETDA Thailand

H.E. Prasert Chanruangthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), is spearheading Thailand’s efforts as the principal host for the global academic conference “The 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025.” This prestigious event will be held from June 24-27, 2025, at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

The conference is being organized under the leadership of three major Thai ministries – the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and UNESCO – which have joined forces to create this significant platform. The forum will bring together leaders, representatives, experts, and academics from 194 UNESCO member states to exchange perspectives, share knowledge and critical information, and develop visionary frameworks that will establish the foundation for ethical AI frameworks that are transparent, fair, and respectful of human rights in accordance with international standards, specifically the ‘UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.’ This collaborative effort aims to translate principles into concrete and sustainable practices, ensuring AI development proceeds in a direction that is genuinely responsible to global society.

The conference will feature high-level policy discussions focusing on crucial topics including: human rights and balancing innovation with personal data protection in the digital era; AI policy, standards and transparent, accountable, and responsible practices; AI and the future of education, leading to transformative learning that increases opportunities; driving AI innovation and reducing inequality; and AI and the future of work, advancing sustainable digital economic development.

“Thailand is not only prepared to serve as the host country but is also ready to advance as a leader in AI ethics alongside the global community,” stated H.E. Prasert Chanruangthong

“We are eager to demonstrate our potential through a proactive role in advancing ethical considerations and AI governance policies that align with international standards. Additionally, we will present the direction of the AI Governance Practice Center, the first center for developing AI Governance capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, which aims to promote international cooperation and accelerate the development of AI guidelines and standards in accordance with ethical principles and governance following UNESCO guidelines across numerous countries.”

In addition to the formal proceedings, conference participants will have the opportunity to experience and learn about the beauty of Thai culture up close. This includes immersing themselves in the grandeur of World Heritage sites, witnessing artistic expressions of the Thai spirit, and experiencing a lifestyle filled with unique charm. These cultural experiences not only reflect Thailand’s proud identity but also represent a significant opportunity to showcase the country’s soft power to an international audience, which will contribute to creating economic value for local areas in the future.

Beyond the main conference, the event will feature diverse and engaging side events to encourage broader participation from educational institutions, academics, and interested experts through various activities under “Bangkok AI Week 2025.” These include AI Pitching events from educational institutions, such as the “Beyond Green AI for a Thriving Future Pitch Competition” organized by the AI Engineering Institute (AIEI) and CMKL University, as well as the “Call for Papers – UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of AI 2025” hosted by Burapha University. These side events will provide a platform for academics and experts to submit papers on ethics, governance, and sustainability related to AI, which will be presented and discussed in dedicated sessions, contributing to the establishment of ‘A Landmark in AI ethics and policy’ in Thailand.

For more information, please visit the official website at https://www.globalforumethicsai.com/ or follow the Facebook page ETDA Thailand. https://www.facebook.com/ETDA.Thailand