Three state agencies have launched a project to bring artificial intelligence (AI) access to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), micro-retailers, street vendors and farmers, initially targeting 15,600 businesses and individuals by 2026.
The "One Tambon, One Digital [OTOD] AI transformation" initiative will enable them to upgrade businesses with digital and AI solutions, which is expected to generate an economic impact of at least 500 million baht.
Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, president and chief executive of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), said the agency has launched the initiative with the Revenue Department and Board of Investment (BoI) under the "AI Transformation: Adapt to Survive, Transform for the Thai Economy policy" roadmap.
He added that the move is aimed at helping Thailand deal with local and international challenges, including fierce competition, labour shortages, volatile export conditions and changes in technology and consumer behaviour.
Preesan Rakwatin, acting senior executive vice-president at depa, said the OTOD AI Transformation is depa's flagship initiative to stimulate the adoption of digital technology and innovations registered in the Thailand Digital Catalog within the business, industrial and agricultural sectors.
The first phase aims to support no fewer than 15,000 small-scale farmers, SME entrepreneurs, small shop owners, street vendors, market stalls and other farmers, along with 200 manufacturing firms, 300 trade and service businesses, and 100 agricultural processing factories.
The OTOD AI transformation scheme consists of two key parts.
The first sees promotion and support divided into two areas.
The first area urges businesses to upgrade via digital and AI solutions, providing up to 200,000 baht in support for the 600 targeted SMEs (200 manufacturing businesses, 300 trade and service businesses, and 100 agricultural processing businesses under the d-transform fund).
The second area offers initial digital usage rights for six months for the 15,000 targeted participants (10,000 SMEs, small shops, street vendors and market stalls, and 5,000 farmers) under the d-voucher fund, which will be available for redemption via the Tang Rat application starting on Oct 1.
Under the second key part of the scheme, activities to encourage digital and AI adoption will be organised in seven provinces: Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Phuket, Chon Buri, Ubon Ratchathani and Khon Kaen.
Key activities include workshops to enhance digital knowledge and access to funding, and a seminar stage for presentations by digital entrepreneurs and business matching to connect digital entrepreneurs with those seeking technology to upgrade their businesses.
"AI adoption for all stakeholders nationwide is an unavoidable move to help boost Thailand's GDP," Mr Nuttapon said.
He added that depa is accelerating its work by preparing the digital workforce and upgrading Thailand's digital and AI solutions.
Thailand's economic transformation needs key mechanisms focused on both people, via the Digital Skill Roadmap, and technology, through ongoing collaboration with the Revenue Department and BoI under depa's Thailand Digital Catalog and the dSURE Standard labelling scheme, Mr Nuttapon said.
The Thailand Digital Catalog, launched in 2023, is a mechanism aimed at improving the quality of digital products and services developed by local startups and businesses so they meet international standards.
The catalogue contains a pool of qualified digital offerings that can be selected by the government and private sector for procurement.
The depa dSURE Standard scheme guarantees the functionality, safety and security of digital products sold in the country.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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