BANGKOK, Thailand – Artificial intelligence is expected to play a major role in reshaping Thailand’s economy over the next three to five years, while a lack of skilled personnel, funding and usable data remains a major barrier to wider adoption, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The findings come from the 52nd FTI CEO Poll for September 2026, which examined how businesses are applying AI across the industrial sector.
FTI Vice Chairman Montri Mahaprukphong said AI can improve efficiency, reduce costs and raise the competitiveness of Thai industries. However, businesses need adequate personnel, budgets and data systems to turn the technology into practical results, particularly SMEs that may face greater difficulty accessing and applying new technology.
The survey found that 48% of FTI executives are already using AI in some departments or processes, with some businesses applying it across several processes and preparing to expand its use systematically. Office work and customer services recorded the highest level of AI adoption, followed by business management and forecasting. Manufacturing and supply-chain operations still have considerable room for further development.
The main benefits expected from AI include greater operating efficiency through lower costs, shorter working times and fewer processes. Executives also expect AI to improve the speed and accuracy of analysis and decision-making, while raising the quality of products and services. At the same time, AI is expected to change the skills businesses require and reduce demand for labor in some processes. The FTI therefore sees workforce development as an important part of helping employees work effectively alongside new technology.
Despite strong support from company executives, skilled AI personnel and investment budgets remain major constraints. Some 76.5% of respondents identified personnel and AI skills as a significant obstacle to adopting or expanding AI use. Other barriers include uncertainty over investment returns, as well as weaknesses in data readiness, digital systems and infrastructure.
Most FTI executives expect AI to have a high to very high impact on business operations over the next three to five years. The FTI is therefore promoting projects aimed at helping businesses apply AI in production, develop workforce skills and improve data readiness. These include the Smart SMEs Digital & AI Camp, a project to raise the AI capabilities of provincial FTI offices and the INTELLIGENT INDUSTRY project, which aims to improve industrial efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
