Thailand has emerged as ASEAN’s leader in artificial intelligence adoption, with more than 90% of students and over 81% of teachers regularly using generative AI tools, according to new research by the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org. While adoption rates are among the highest in the region, experts warn of a widening “readiness gap,” as educators and institutions struggle to establish the governance frameworks and ethical standards needed to manage the technology responsibly. The findings come as Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to grow from $300 billion to $1 trillion by 2030, raising urgent questions about cybersecurity, misinformation, and long-term institutional preparedness.

By 2026, artificial intelligence is no longer an experimental tool but a core driver of competitive advantage. As Thailand’s economy undergoes rapid digital transformation, businesses must move beyond generative AI towards agentic AI, invest in workforce reskilling, and build cross-border partnerships to compete globally. Those that fail to adapt risk being left behind in an increasingly AI-powered market.

As global trade, technology and security tensions deepen, Thailand must position itself as an “ally to all” rather than take sides, said Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Highlighting extreme global polarisation, she called for issue-based trade negotiations, balanced import-export strategies, stronger ASEAN cooperation, and a renewed focus on technology, green economy and security to safeguard Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.

Thailand’s digital economy is set to grow 4.2% in 2026, nearly double the country’s overall GDP growth, driven by AI adoption, data centre expansion, and rising tech investment. Despite global trade slowdowns, the digital sector remains Thailand’s key economic driver, supported by the government’s “Cloud First” policy and growing demand for smart devices, software, and digital content.

Thailand is courting South Korean investment to accelerate its digital transformation and strengthen future industries. During a bilateral meeting at the 32nd APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting, Thailand’s Finance Minister invited South Korean expertise and capital in AI, semiconductors, smart healthcare, and electric vehicles, highlighting 2026 as the ‘Year of Thai Investment’ and promoting Public-Private Partnership mechanisms.

Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) reported higher cybersecurity scores for critical infrastructure and regulatory agencies in 2025, while government agencies saw a decline. The dip highlights gaps in risk management, threat response, and business continuity planning. NCSA urged agencies to address vulnerabilities and strengthen defences as ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks intensify.