Thailand Approved 55 New AI and Automation Projects Under National Fund

Thailand has finalized the approval of 55 new projects under its National Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. The latest batch includes 48 Business Transformation initiatives and seven Skill Bridge programs designed to upskill labor for advanced industries. Total investment under this round reaches THB3.54 billion, with THB1.663 billion designated as direct support. Cumulatively, the fund now supports 108 projects totaling THB4.825 billion in funding, expecting to create approximately 1,500 jobs and transfer knowledge to over 3,800 supply-chain companies. The initiative targets artificial intelligence, automation, digital technology, research and development, and green-industry upgrades. Officials highlight that large foreign inflows have historically failed to generate sufficient productivity gains for local small and medium-sized enterprises. Data indicates only about 12 percent of Thai companies currently use AI, with a deficit of roughly 80,000 AI professionals noted by the IFC. The government aims to address these specific gaps in domestic adoption and technical skills.