The Kingdom of AI: Thailand's Bold Bet on an Intelligent Future

Amid the iconic imagery of tuk-tuks and temples, a silent tech revolution is brewing in Thailand. The Kingdom faces pressing challenges like an aging population and fierce global competition. But amidst these challenges, a new generation of innovators is harnessing the power of AI to transform the nation's future.

Itthipat Limmaneerak, partner for technology consulting — data, AI and analytics at KPMG, believes that AI is not just a technological advancement but a fundamental shift in how we work and live. “It's changed the very foundation of how we work,” he stated at the recent CDDO Thailand. “It is reshaping job roles, triggering new ways of working, and forcing us to rethink the balance between human and artificial intelligence.”

Building a solid foundation

While the hype around GenAI has reached a fever pitch, many Thai companies struggle to translate experimentation into tangible business value. Itthipat cautions against chasing shiny new toys without a clear strategy.

“We need to move beyond a use-case-first approach,” he urges, advocating for a platform-first strategy that prioritizes reusable AI components and scalable solutions. “Think of it like building a house. You don't start with separate rooms; you need a blueprint and a solid foundation.”

This shift requires a bold commitment to innovation, a willingness to embrace risk, and a culture that encourages learning and adaptation. Itthipat emphasizes the importance of empowering employees and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an AI-powered world. “We need to make sure that people feel safe and confident in collaborating with AI,” he adds.

Embracing failure, driving adoption

A major roadblock to AI adoption in Thailand is the fear of failure. Many Thai companies get stuck in experimentation and are hesitant to deploy AI solutions in real-world scenarios. Itthipat urges companies to embrace the “real hard side of failures,” emphasizing that bold commitments and leadership endorsement are essential for overcoming this inertia.

He cites KPMG Australia's KymChat as an example, a knowledge management platform that initially served internal needs before being leveraged to enhance client services. This “eat your own dog food” approach builds confidence in AI and reveals new possibilities and weaknesses that can be addressed with further innovation.

The augmented Thai workforce

Itthipat envisions Thailand as a place where AI is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life, from healthcare and education to finance and manufacturing. He sees a workforce that is not replaced by AI but augmented by it, unlocking new levels of productivity and creativity.

Achieving this vision requires a fundamental shift in mindset, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a commitment to ethical and responsible AI development. He offers three insights:

• Take a human-centric approach: Itthipat stresses the importance of a “human-first approach,” where employees feel secure, empowered, and recognized in the AI-driven workplace. “This means investing in training, providing clear pathways for career development, and fostering a sense of accomplishment and recognition,” he explains.
• Learn through experimentation: Current training approaches are not good enough. Itthipat believes Thai companies need a fundamental shift: Instead of relying on traditional, time-consuming methods, he advocates for “learning in the flow of work” approach. Such an approach allows employees to experiment with AI tools, learn new skills, and apply them immediately to their tasks.
• Empowering middle managers: A major oversight is the role of middle managers. While many companies see AI replacing parts of their jobs, Itthipat views them as critical in driving AI adoption. They bridge the C-suite's strategic vision and the front-line employees who will ultimately use the technology. Forward-looking companies often equip their middle managers with the knowledge, tools, and authority to become “agents of change.”

Responsible AI for the greater good

Itthipat urges Thai companies to embed trust and transparency into their AI initiatives. “We need to be mindful of the impact AI has on human lives,” he cautions. “Every line of code and every algorithm must be developed with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to the greater good.” One approach is to embrace open-source models and learn from global best practices in driving trust.

Equally important is developing a Responsible AI framework, which emphasizes principles such as human-centricity, transparency, and fairness. Itthipat points to KPMG's framework as an example, urging organizations to embed ethical considerations into every stage of the AI lifecycle.

The road ahead

Thailand stands at a critical juncture in the AI revolution. Itthipat believes AI-powered prosperity is within reach, but the path is fraught with challenges. Bold leadership, strategic investment, and an unwavering commitment to human-centric innovation are crucial. The Kingdom has the potential to become a global AI leader, but only if it can navigate this complex landscape with courage and foresight.

Image credit: iStockphoto/Peera_Sathawirawong