In July 2022, Thailand approved its national AI strategy and action plan for 2022-2027. The strategy aims to create an effective ecosystem for AI development and application, enhancing the economy and improving the quality of life for Thai citizens. The strategy focuses on five key areas: preparing Thailand's readiness in social, ethics, law, and regulation; developing infrastructure; increasing human capability and improving AI education; driving AI technology and innovation development; and promoting AI use in public and private sectors.
The strategy targets development in ten sectors, including manufacturing, energy and environment, medical and wellness, food and agriculture, education, tourism, security, logistics, finance, and government services. While the strategy emphasises digital technologies empowering people and increasing transparency in public agencies, it lacks explicit mentions of fundamental rights, human rights, rule of law, and fairness with respect to AI.
Thailand published its Digital Thailand – AI Ethics Guideline in November 2019, which was approved by the Cabinet in February 2021. The guideline covers six aspects of AI development: competitiveness and sustainable development; legal regulations and international ethical standards; operational codes and duties; security and privacy; equality, diversity, and fairness; and credibility. However, the document is currently only available in Thai.
The Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) has established working groups to explore ethical issues in various technology fields, including AI. These efforts resulted in the Bangkok Statement on the Ethics of Science and Technology and Sustainable Development, calling for concerted efforts to address ethical concerns in new technologies.
Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) came into force in June 2022, establishing the country's first comprehensive data protection framework. The PDPA draws key concepts from the EU's GDPR and establishes a Personal Data Protection Committee. However, research has highlighted certain gaps in the PDPA, such as exemptions for government authorities involved in national security and law enforcement.
The Digitalisation of Public Administration and Services Delivery Act requires the establishment of a government data exchange centre, and mandates public access to digital data from state agencies. However, the government's Anti-fake News Centre and the Cybersecurity Act have raised concerns about potential censorship and suppression of free speech.
Thailand has piloted an AI System for Surveillance and Criminal Analysis in east Bangkok, linking security cameras and using facial recognition technology. While the government positions this as a public safety tool, concerns have been raised about potential surveillance of minority groups. The combination of AI policing, fake news monitoring, and cybersecurity legislation has created further concerns about fundamental rights.
Thailand faces challenges in balancing AI development with human rights protections. The country has a history of frequent constitutional changes and has faced criticism for its human rights record. Freedom House gives Thailand low marks for political and civil liberties, highlighting concerns about press freedom, due process, and the treatment of activists.
While Thailand has not endorsed the OECD AI Principles, it is the only Southeast Asian country benefiting from an OECD Country Programme. Thailand has adopted the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, although public announcements concerning implementation are yet to be made.
Thailand faces several challenges in its AI development journey. These include addressing potential job disruption due to AI, ensuring effective oversight of AI systems, balancing innovation with privacy and human rights protections, and addressing concerns about AI-powered surveillance practices.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/