Bangkok: Upgrading Thailand's entire industrial system by allocating a budget for research and AI, alongside accelerating workforce skills development, is now a top priority for the Thai government. In a strategic move to boost Thai businesses amidst a new wave of investment, the government has approved 55 projects aimed at upgrading AI and automation systems and training over 10,000 highly skilled personnel.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government is advancing efforts to ensure Thai entrepreneurs benefit more significantly from the growth of modern industries and investments. This initiative is being executed through the National Competitiveness Enhancement Fund for Target Industries, a mechanism designed to help Thai businesses invest in research and development, digital technology, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative also focuses on developing highly skilled personnel, aiming to increase productivity, reduce costs, and enable Thai businesses to play a more significant role in higher-value supply chains.
Ms. Lalida stated that on September 9, 2026, the Sub-committee on Recruitment and Negotiation under the National Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, approved support for 55 new projects. The projects include 48 that support Thai entrepreneurs in enhancing their competitiveness (Business Transformation) and 7 aimed at developing highly skilled personnel for modern industries (Skill Bridge).
The approved Business Transformation measures involve a total investment of 3,540 million baht, with a grant of 1,663 million baht. These projects encompass research and development, improving business efficiency with modern technologies, and transitioning to new and green industries. The goal is to empower Thai entrepreneurs with the necessary technology and efficiency to grow alongside future industries.
Combined with previously approved projects, the Business Transformation measures have promoted 66 projects with a total investment of 5,806 million baht and a total support budget of 2,796 million baht. The Board of Investment (BOI) estimates that these projects will help increase entrepreneurs' revenue by approximately 3,900 million baht per year and increase domestic procurement of raw materials, parts, and services by over 7,100 million baht per year. The benefits of the investment are expected to extend to Thai parts manufacturers, suppliers, and service businesses in the supply chain.
Furthermore, the initiative is expected to create approximately 1,500 jobs, both operational and highly skilled, and transfer knowledge to over 3,800 entrepreneurs in the Thai supply chain. This effort will help increase opportunities for Thai companies to upgrade their production standards, connect with new industries, and participate in higher value-added supply chains. The government is also accelerating the preparation of Thai people for industrial changes, with the Skill Bridge measures receiving approval for an additional 7 projects with a total support budget of 307 million baht, planning to develop 10,180 personnel in target industries.
Human resource development programs are undergoing rigorous review to ensure that skills developed are practically applicable in the industrial sector, helping Thai workers find jobs with higher skills and value. "Today, the challenge is not just about attracting more investment but ensuring that those investments create more opportunities for Thai businesses and people," Ms. Lalida stated. The government is focused on upgrading Thai entrepreneurs' access to AI, automation, and new technologies while developing a workforce with skills that match industry needs.
The Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office noted that including both the Business Transformation and Skill Bridge measures, there are currently 108 projects that have received support totaling 4,825 million baht. Of these, 55 projects are newly approved, representing a cumulative total of previously approved projects. The government aims to promote investment while strengthening the domestic economy, ensuring Thailand is not just a base for investment but also fostering Thai entrepreneurs and personnel capable of growing and creating added value alongside future industries.