Thailand and Meta set a practical agenda to grow AI adoption and strengthen online safety
Friday, November 14, 2025
Senior Thai government leaders led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn met with Kevin Martin, Meta's Vice President of Global Public Policy, to set clear priorities for AI-driven digital transformation. The discussion focused on supporting SMEs with real tools and training, improving online safety, and building public trust so citizens and businesses can benefit from AI with confidence.
Phiphat called the meeting an important opportunity to deepen cooperation in digital technology and cybersecurity. He thanked Meta for ongoing work with the Royal Thai Police on fraud prevention and for partnering with the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, to produce an e-book on AI-powered digital marketing tools for Thai businesses.
Why this matters for government leaders
AI is already in use across Thai SMEs. A Deloitte Access Economics study supported by Meta estimates AI could add US$211-512 billion across six Asia-Pacific markets, with Thailand as a key participant. A survey of more than 1,100 SMEs found three in five already use at least one AI tool, signaling strong demand for skills, standards, and support.
As AI adoption grows, policy and execution need to move in step: enable business use, protect people, and measure outcomes. The Thailand-Meta collaboration addresses all three.
Programs in motion
Meta and Thai agencies are scaling practical training through Meta Live Skill. More than 13,500 people completed e-learning courses across 1,800+ government IT centers nationwide, with 800+ attending offline sessions. The focus is on applicable skills: AI-assisted marketing, safer online operations, and growth tactics for SMEs.
This work spans eight public bodies, creating a broad base for delivery and oversight:
- Ministry of Commerce (MOC)
- Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA)
- Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE)
- Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE)
- Digital Skill Development Academy (DiSDA), Ministry of Labour
- Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa)
- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)
- National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
Focus areas agreed in the meeting
- Scale AI readiness for SMEs: practical toolkits, sector playbooks, and training that map to real business outcomes.
- Strengthen online safety: expand cooperation with the Royal Thai Police on scam detection, takedowns, and public reporting.
- Build public trust: clearer guidance on safe use of AI, transparent policies, and faster response channels for citizens and businesses.
- Support digital marketing with AI: distribute the new e-book via the Ministry of Commerce and partner networks to reach more SMEs.
What government teams can do next
- Set an AI baseline: survey SMEs by sector to map current use, skill gaps, and the top three obstacles (data, talent, procurement).
- Publish an AI procurement quick-start: template requirements for privacy, security, fairness, and performance; include sample contracts and KPIs.
- Expand training capacity: bundle Meta Live Skill with DiSDA programs and local chambers; offer micro-credentials tied to job tasks.
- Codify safety workflows: shared escalation paths with Meta for fraud and impersonation; define service levels and public guidance.
- Standardize data practices: simple consent models and data-sharing MOUs for pilots, with safeguards for SMEs and consumers.
- Measure outcomes quarterly: track SME revenue growth, cost savings, fraud reduction, and citizen satisfaction; publish results.
- Use regulatory sandboxes: fast-track limited-scope pilots with ETDA and ONDE to test AI use cases under clear safeguards.
Public trust and online safety
Trust is earned by default-safe systems and quick help when things go wrong. Priority actions include scam early-warning campaigns, better reporting UX, verified channels for business accounts, and joint investigations for cross-platform fraud.
For civil servants, keep updates frequent and simple: publish scam trends monthly, share playbooks with local offices, and ensure call centers and community hubs know the escalation paths.
Statements from the meeting
Kevin Martin said Meta was honored to collaborate with the Thai government to advance its vision for an inclusive and innovation-driven digital economy. "We share the goal of ensuring that emerging technologies, especially AI, deliver meaningful economic and social value. This includes building digital skills for Thai entrepreneurs, enhancing online safety, and supporting programmes that strengthen public trust," he said. He added that Meta looks forward to being part of Thailand's progress toward becoming a regional leader in digital transformation.
Near-term milestones to watch
- Q1: Release the AI marketing e-book nationwide through MOC and partner networks; include sector-specific checklists.
- Q1-Q2: Add more Meta Live Skill centers outside major cities; offer weekend sessions for micro and small businesses.
- Q2: Launch a unified reporting channel for suspected scams with clear response times and feedback loops.
- Q2-Q3: Run two to three regulatory sandbox pilots (e.g., tourism, retail, logistics) with published learnings.
Optional resources for government upskilling
If your team is building AI capacity, you can explore curated learning paths:
- AI courses by job for role-based skill building.
- AI certifications to standardize skills across agencies.
The path forward is clear: equip SMEs, protect people, and measure results. With coordination across ministries and partners, Thailand can scale practical AI use while keeping citizens safe and informed.
Your membership also unlocks:
