Microsoft Thailand, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Government, has launched a transformative initiative called the "THAI Academy: Accelerating Thailand’s AI Future." The program is designed to provide artificial intelligence (AI) training to over one million Thai citizens by the end of 2025. This effort supports the National AI Master Plan and reflects Thailand’s growing ambition to become a regional technology leader.
This large-scale upskilling initiative is being implemented through partnerships with more than 35 public and private organizations. Its goal is to democratize AI education, making it accessible to a broad range of citizens including students, civil servants, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Microsoft is working closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to ensure that the initiative aligns with national development goals.
Central to the THAI Academy is the AI Skills Navigator platform. This free online learning hub offers over 200 AI courses developed by Microsoft and its partners. The courses, available in Thai, range from introductory lessons for beginners to advanced content for developers and tech professionals. Topics include the fundamentals of AI, practical uses of Microsoft AI tools, and in-depth training on building AI-powered applications using Microsoft Azure.
A key component of the program is public sector engagement. Microsoft and the government aim to train more than 100,000 civil servants in AI skills. Initiatives like the “GovAI Hackathon” are also being introduced to encourage innovation among government staff and support the development of AI-driven solutions for public services.
In the education sector, the Ministry of Education is working with Microsoft to train 4,500 teachers who will go on to influence more than 400,000 students. National research and technology institutions are assisting in incorporating AI into the national curriculum, ensuring future generations are prepared for a digital economy.
The initiative also addresses workforce development, with plans to upskill over 100,000 job seekers and workers in collaboration with the Department of Skill Development. Specialized training in AI and cybersecurity is being provided to more than 10,000 students through a partnership with the National Cyber Security Agency.
Higher education institutions are playing a vital role in this movement. Microsoft is collaborating with the Ministry of Higher Education to equip 50,000 university students with essential AI skills. Over 20 universities are participating by enhancing faculty capabilities and integrating AI into academic programs.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up the backbone of Thailand's economy, are not left out. The program is working with business associations to support more than 20,000 SMEs in adopting and integrating AI into their operations, helping them to remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.
Beyond formal institutions, the initiative also includes community outreach. Staff at 1,722 ICT Learning Centers across the country are being trained to serve as AI educators within their communities. It’s estimated that more than 250,000 citizens will benefit directly from this effort, including freelancers and gig workers seeking to boost their digital competencies independently.
Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, highlighted the broader vision: “People are the most important factor in driving national transformation. If we do not start developing AI skills today, we may lose out on growth opportunities and rapidly fall behind the competition.” The THAI Academy stands as a bold, inclusive approach to ensuring that all segments of Thai society are equipped for success in the age of artificial intelligence.
