ETDA Outlines Ambitious Plan to Bolster AI Governance
A comprehensive roadmap has been unveiled to significantly strengthen artificial intelligence governance across Thailand, focusing on two key pillars: accelerating the development of a robust AI governance framework and driving the practical application of AI governance knowledge and tools across all sectors.
Rojana Lamlert, an advisor to the Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA) and head of its AI Governance Center (AIGC), stated the agency’s primary goal is to foster trust within Thailand’s AI ecosystem. This will be achieved by establishing solid governance foundations through practical guidelines and toolkits, while simultaneously promoting widespread adoption via domestic and international collaborations.
The initiative aims to enhance AI capabilities among government agencies, educational institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), communities, and individual citizens. The ultimate objective is to ensure that AI is used responsibly, ethically, and with unwavering trustworthiness.
Establishing Thailand as a Regional AI Hub
This strategic direction also supports Thailand’s readiness to establish the AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC). Ms. Rojana emphasized that this center will reinforce the nation’s position as a leading regional AI hub. The AIGPC is envisioned as an operational platform designed to translate global AI governance principles into tangible, real-world implementations.
Comprehensive AI Governance Tools and Initiatives
The ETDA has been actively advancing AI governance through the AIGC. With the guidance of the AIGC and in partnership with prominent international AI experts, the agency has developed AI governance guidelines and toolkits specifically tailored to Thailand’s unique context. These resources are available for adoption by both public and private sectors.
Currently, twelve toolkits are ready for implementation, with two more slated for development this year. These new additions will focus on ethical AI impact assessment and AI value creation, equipping organizations to effectively assess risks, manage ethical considerations, and generate sustainable value through responsible AI deployment.
AI Watch Series and Capacity Building Programs
To stay ahead of the curve, the ETDA is producing the AI Watch Series, a vital monitoring initiative. This series analyzes global and domestic AI developments, emerging trends, and potential risks. It also generates crucial policy recommendations, legal white papers, and research publications to support the ongoing evolution of AI governance frameworks.
Further expanding its reach, the agency continues to develop programs such as “AI Governance for Government.” This initiative aims to bolster AI readiness within 20 government ministries. The “AI Change Agent Programme” has successfully completed five cohorts and is evolving to cultivate future chief AI officers.
Ms. Rojana outlined ambitious targets for the AIGC, aiming to develop at least 80 certified trainers and extend AI governance knowledge to over 3,000 public sector personnel by 2027.
Empowering Educators, SMEs, and Citizens
In the education sector, the ETDA is collaborating with key organizations, including the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, Unicef, and various expert networks. Together, they are implementing the “AI and Digital Ethics for Educators” program. This initiative seeks to cultivate champions of AI and digital ethics among educators and integrate AI literacy across all learning disciplines.
For SMEs and local communities, the ETDA is continuing its “SMEs Growth” program, delivering AI training initiatives throughout Thailand’s four regions. A key training module focuses on generative AI for SME transformation and AI marketing, aiming to connect businesses with AI solutions that address capability gaps and accelerate digital transformation.
The ETDA is also expanding its “Digital Citizen” initiative to enhance digital skills and AI literacy among all segments of the population. Under this program, the agency plans to train 2,000 trainers across 400 districts by 2026, reaching more than 60,000 citizens nationwide.
Additionally, four new AI-enhanced digital literacy courses are under development by the Digital Personnel Development Institute. These courses will cover essential areas such as digital use, communication, security, and overall literacy, with plans to launch on e-learning platforms in September.
AI for Justice and Global Collaboration
The ETDA is also strategically targeting key sectors, including the justice system. In partnership with the Administrative Court of Thailand, the agency is organizing the “Responsible AI Innovation Hackathon (AI for Justice).” This event aims to stimulate the development of AI solutions that improve access to justice, streamline legal processes, and promote transparent, accountable, and ethical AI use.
Looking ahead, Thailand is preparing to host AI Governance Week 2026 from June 29 to July 3. This international event will serve as a crucial platform for bridging global AI governance principles with practical implementation. The five-day event is expected to convene leading AI governance figures from Thailand and around the world, including policymakers, regulators, technology leaders, researchers, and representatives from international organizations.
