Thailand’s Strategic Role in the OECD’s AI Policy Toolkit
In a recent workshop co-hosted by Japan and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Thailand took a significant step towards solidifying its position as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance in Southeast Asia. The event, which marked the first comprehensive discussion on AI-related policies between Thailand and the OECD, underscored the country’s commitment to international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies.
The workshop, titled “Building an AI Policy Toolkit: Insights from Southeast Asia,” brought together over 30 experts from government sectors across the region, Japan, and the OECD. The objective was to encourage countries in Southeast Asia to co-create global AI governance policies that maximize the benefits of AI while preventing its misuse in transnational crime and digital fraud.
Thailand’s participation in this initiative reflects its growing recognition as a key player in regional AI efforts. The country has been actively promoting international cooperation on AI issues, particularly through its membership in the OECD’s Southeast Asia Regional Forum, which was recently hosted by Thailand. This forum provides a platform for Southeast Asian countries to engage with global stakeholders on issues of shared concern, including AI governance.
Thailand’s engagement with the OECD is part of its broader strategy to become an OECD member country. The Organisation has been a key player in shaping global policies on economic and social issues, including those related to technology and innovation. By participating in this initiative, Thailand aims to leverage the OECD’s expertise and networks to advance its own AI agenda and promote regional cooperation.
The OECD’s AI Policy Toolkit is a comprehensive guide that aims to provide policymakers with the tools and frameworks necessary to develop effective AI-related policies. The toolkit is expected to be launched later this year, and Thailand’s participation in the workshop marked an important step towards ensuring its country-specific contributions are fully integrated into the final product.
A Region on the Move
Thailand’s push for AI governance reflects a broader trend of Southeast Asian countries taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies. The region has been actively engaging with global stakeholders on issues related to AI, trade, and innovation, driven in part by its growing economic prospects and desire to remain competitive in the global economy.
The success of this initiative will depend on Thailand’s ability to leverage its strategic position within the OECD to promote regional cooperation and advance its own AI agenda. The country’s engagement with the OECD has already yielded positive results, including the development of a comprehensive framework for AI governance in Southeast Asia.
Expert Insights
“The significance of Thailand’s participation in this workshop cannot be overstated,” says Dr. Piyaporn Chaimanee, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. “Thailand’s engagement with the OECD reflects its growing recognition as a key player in regional AI efforts and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies.”
“The success of this initiative will depend on Thailand’s ability to leverage its strategic position within the OECD to promote regional cooperation and advance its own AI agenda,” adds Dr. Sopan Wongniran, Associate Fellow at the Centre for Policy Alternatives.
The outcome of this initiative will have significant implications for global stability, alliances, and security. As AI governance becomes increasingly important in shaping the future of international relations, countries that are able to develop effective AI-related policies will be better positioned to capitalize on the benefits of emerging technologies while minimizing their risks.
In conclusion, Thailand’s push for AI governance marks an important step towards solidifying its position as a leader in Southeast Asian AI efforts. The country’s engagement with the OECD reflects its growing recognition as a key player in regional AI governance and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Key Statistics
Over 30 experts from government sectors across Southeast Asia, Japan, and the OECD participated in the workshop.
Thailand is expected to contribute significantly to the development of the OECD’s AI Policy Toolkit.
The OECD has estimated that the global AI market will reach $190 billion by 2025.