Microsoft signs MoU to help create a digital-first, AI-powered Thailand

The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday in San Francisco with the Thai government to pursue the vision of a digital-first, AI-powered Thailand.

The partnership aims to strengthen Thailand's economic competitiveness, create high-value jobs that enable Thais to achieve more, and position Thailand as a regional leader in digital innovation and sustainability, Microsoft said.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is currently attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, met with CEO Satya Nadella and discussed the key objectives of the MoU.

He stated Thailand's commitment to a sustainable future and renewable energy, which aligns with Microsoft's vision. 

"This collaboration will strengthen our country’s economy while enhancing our digital capability,” Srettha said. 

Among the topics discussed were building a digital-first Thailand, shaping the country's AI-powered future, preparing Thais for the future of work and life, and elevating Thailand to green growth leadership. 

Microsoft said that, in accordance with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's "digital government" and "cloud first" policies, the company would collaborate closely with Thai government agencies to drive the development of smart digital infrastructure in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and education. 

Both parties agreed to find a path towards data centre investment to boost cloud and AI use in Thailand. Microsoft said it would work to improve the Thai government's cybersecurity posture with industry-leading best practices and expertise.

Meanwhile, Microsoft will work with the ministry to develop and integrate AI into e-government projects and public services for Thai citizens. 

Both parties intend to establish a strategic AI Centre of Excellence to accelerate existing public-sector AI projects, define a clear roadmap for AI implementation, and foster innovation across multiple sectors and industries. 

The ministry and Microsoft agreed to collaborate on policy and regulatory frameworks to ensure the responsible and productive use of AI in Thailand. 

In addition, the company pledged to continue its mission of developing future-ready skills for 10 million Thais by collaborating with the ministry and other stakeholders to provide Thais with critical skills. 

"From building second-language proficiency and advancing digital literacy to developing the next generation of citizen developers, this collaboration seeks to provide underserved communities across the country with access to more learning opportunities and materials," Microsoft said in a press release. 

Besides, Thai government agencies will work with Microsoft to create a sustainability sandbox for the development of environmental innovations in order to accelerate Thailand's journey to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.

The move will allow the investigation of effective and scalable initiatives for the public sector, large enterprises, and small businesses alike.

Microsoft said it also would work to achieve 100% renewable energy usage for potential investments in the country.

Ahmed Mazhari, president, Microsoft Asia said that with Thailand already targeting 48 billion baht (approximately $1.33 billion) in business and social impact through AI by 2027, Microsoft was excited to be working more closely with the Thai government in bringing this vision of AI-powered Thailand to life.