MDES - depa alongside its network of partners under TH.ai, hosted the TH.ai Forum EP01: AI Trend in Agriculture. This event aimed to drive the promotion of AI technology application across all dimensions, starting with the agricultural sector. Positioned as a pivotal platform, the forum aimed to streamline access to and comprehension of AI technology among businesses and industries nationwide, ensuring accurate and effective implementation to enhance the nation's competitive edge.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), revealed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is currently undergoing a rapid growth, resulting in a structural transformation of economies and societies worldwide. While the demand for AI technology in the Thai business and industrial sectors grow continually, Thailand still faces a shortage of Deep Technology developed by the expertise of Thai developers. This shortage is considered crucial in enhancing the country's competitive edge.
Given the preceding statement, Thailand must drive forward the five key components to keep pace with the changes in such technology and meet the demands of the country's industrial business sector. These components entail readiness to facilitate the acquisition of AI technologies from foreign sources (AI Importer), nurturing the development of domestic AI capabilities (AI Provider), harnessing AI for the optimization of digital services (AI Distributor), strengthening the pool of digital talent specializing in AI, and cultivating awareness among Thai individuals for the responsible and secure application of AI (AI User). Additionally, guidelines for AI application across various domains should be established, such as Generative AI Guideline, Responsible AI Guideline, AI Ethics Guideline, Synthesis AI Guideline, and AI Algorithms Guideline.
Based on the statement above, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) by depa, has collaborated with Big Data Institute (BDI), the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI), Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand, Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneur Association of Thailand, The Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers Association, Thai Chamber of Commerce, VISAI AI Co., Ltd. and Techsauce Media Co., Ltd., under the banner of TH.ai (Thailand Artificial Intelligence), to host the TH.ai Forum EP01: AI Trend in Agriculture, aimed at facilitating insights and driving initiatives for the appropriate and effective application of AI technology across all sectors. EP01 commenced with a focus on the agriculture industry, where the event received honorable participation from Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Dr. Kasititorn Pooparadai, Senior Executive Vice President of depa, Dr. Chinawut Chinaprayoon, Executive Vice President of depa and other AI experts.
Furthermore, the event featured special discussions on the topic of 'AI Trends in Agriculture Industry' by Mr. Pichai Ongvasith, Data Platform Director of AXONS and a panel discussion on 'AI Startup Revolutionizing Agriculture' by Dr. Rassarin Chinnachodteeranun, CEO of ListenField, Mr. Sompol Suntharasantic, Head of Hardware Engineering of HiveGround and Mr. Phuvin Kongsawat, CEO of EASYRICE.
"The TH.ai network is a collaboration of public and private sector organizations with the aim of driving the country's AI technology advancement in all dimensions through clearly defined research and development initiatives. TH.ai hopes that activities under its umbrella will serve as a pivotal mechanism in enabling businesses and industries in the country to access and understand AI technology before its proper and precise implementation. Additionally, it aims to enhance the country's competitiveness in the future." President/CEO of depa said.
The TH.ai network previously conducted activities to gather insights into the private sector's AI usage needs, and there will be three more activities under the network. These upcoming events will focus on the Health and Wellness industry, Tourism and Services industry and Digital Content and Soft Power industry. Interested parties can follow updates and details of these activities from Facebook Page: depa Thailand and LINE OA: @depaThailand.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon further added that MDES by depa is currently proposing adjustments to the National AI Committee's framework for the development of Thailand and collaborating to establish an economic driving committee to ensure the integration of AI efforts in the country's future endeavors.