India, Thailand Forge Tech Partnership to Boost AI and Digital Innovation

Bangkok, Jun 25 (PTI) Indian technologists will play a vital role in enhancing Thailand's tech ecosystem through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangkok earlier this year, an official announced on Wednesday.

“We are currently finalizing the details on how to implement the technology MoU between the two nations, which will facilitate the flow of skilled technology manpower from India to Thailand,” explained Prof. Wisit Wisitsora-AT, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

Highlighting the collaborative efforts, Wisit remarked, “Thailand and India are leading technology nations and have been cooperating in this domain for several years,” during the sidelines of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI2025, a conference held from June 24-27.

This development follows the recent MoU on Cooperation in Digital Technologies, signed during Modi’s official visit to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit hosted by Thailand in April.

These agreements have elevated Thailand and India’s relations to a strategic partnership, enhancing regional ties in connectivity, trade, and investment.

On the same note, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra initiated a substantial AI-focused program at the opening of the UNESCO forum on Wednesday.

“Our National AI Committee is pushing forward with crucial initiatives,” stated Shinawatra, outlining plans to develop AI talent with aspirations to reach 10 million users, 90,000 professionals, and 50,000 developers.

Moreover, she pledged USD 15.4 billion for AI infrastructure, along with establishing open-source AI systems and a National Data Centre with an investment exceeding USD 61 million.

“Additionally, we plan to set up the AI Governance Practice Centre (AIGPC) to promote ethical AI practices, facilitate training, and encourage cross-sector collaboration,” said Shinawatra.

“AI should be a tool for truth, inclusion, and advancing human-centered progress. We must ensure AI upholds dignity, safeguards societies, and benefits everyone,” she asserted.

Considering the long-term collaborative relations between India, Thailand, and other ASEAN member countries, industry experts noted the pivotal role Indian technologists could play in mega technology-driven initiatives, backed by the sizable number of engineers in India.

The abundance of Indian engineers not only benefits India but also aids nations experiencing a shortage of technical skilled manpower, striving to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech ecosystem across various economic sectors, experts observed.