Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, spoke at the POSTTODAY THAILAND SMART CITY 2026 seminar, under the topic "Data Center - Transforming the Country", stating that AI will not replace jobs but will become a helper and co-worker for all of us.
Three years ago, when ChatGPT first launched, it was viewed as just an AI chatbot. Today, it has evolved into an Agentic AI, capable of doing more than just following commands. It can now automatically improve work processes, especially with the release of GPT-5.1, which possesses knowledge equivalent to a PhD. This means we now have highly intelligent assistants at our fingertips.
This advancement marks a shift: we are no longer being replaced by AI, but rather, we are in an era where humans lead and use AI to significantly enhance capabilities.
According to a survey conducted by Microsoft, AI will have a profound impact on technology. Over 70% of leading companies have already adapted to and officially adopted AI. It is expected that within 2 years, AI usage in the business sector will increase by three times, further boosting investments in the AI industry and positively impacting the economy.
Data from Bloomberg estimates that the AI market could grow to $7 trillion, highlighting the industry’s rapid and continuous expansion. This presents a huge opportunity for Thailand, which still has much room for growth in the AI sector.
One of Thailand’s key advantages for investment is its strategic location in the centre of ASEAN, allowing for seamless connectivity with many countries.
However, Thailand still faces challenges in several areas that need development in order to meet global standards, such as disaster preparedness, energy management, and workforce development. A particularly crucial area that needs improvement is the data protection laws, which may hinder the growth of the AI industry.
Microsoft is continually working on improvements, including the transformation of 400+ data centres worldwide to operate on 100% green energy by 2025.
The company has also been working on upskilling and reskilling Thailand’s workforce, with 1.6 million people already trained in AI, laying the groundwork for further development in the country.