Thailand Introduces AI Bill Focusing on Responsible Innovation and Human Rights

Thailand’s New AI Bill Focuses on Responsible Use and Rights Protection

Thailand has introduced its first artificial intelligence (AI) bill, aiming to balance innovation with human rights and risk control. The bill is open for public consultation until June 9, seeking to create a clear legal framework for managing high-risk AI applications, especially those that could affect rights, security, and civil liberties.

Wisit Wisitsora-at, Permanent Secretary of the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, highlighted AI as a key driver of the digital economy and a tool to improve citizens’ quality of life. However, he pointed out that the rapid growth of AI raises challenges around ethics, transparency, and accountability. The bill aims to regulate AI without stifling innovation.

Shifting from Guidelines to Legal Regulation

Currently, Thailand regulates AI through guidelines, a soft law approach that may not suffice as AI becomes more complex. Sak Segkhoonthod, senior adviser at the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), explained that the new bill introduces tiered regulation based on risk. High-risk AI systems will face stricter rules, while general AI applications will follow best practice guidelines.

Key areas of focus include AI accountability, algorithmic transparency, and protection against potential human rights impacts. ETDA is collaborating with the AI Governance Centre (AIGC) and other agencies to ensure the bill fits Thailand’s context and aligns with international trends.

Core Elements of the AI Bill

• Removing legal barriers: Clearing regulatory obstacles that limit AI adoption.
• Promoting AI development: Offering incentives like funding, tax breaks, and regulatory sandboxes.
• AI governance and oversight: Establishing a mixed framework of soft and hard law mechanisms.

High-risk AI systems used in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government services will require transparent oversight and specialized regulators. The governance framework will need to adapt continuously to keep up with fast-moving technology.

Supporting Infrastructure and Skills

Developing AI legislation is only part of the picture. Building technical expertise, ethical standards, and practical implementation across industries like agriculture, healthcare, and public administration is essential.

Another critical aspect is creating a data-sharing system that respects digital sovereignty. This involves balancing data ownership rights, open-source access, and domestic data security.

Sak Segkhoonthod emphasized that the AI bill is more than technical regulation—it’s a framework to guide responsible AI growth while protecting human dignity. He also stressed the importance of public input to establish governance rules that serve all members of society.