In a move to position the country as a leader in electric vehicles, (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technologies, Thailand is investing some 8 billion Baht (around $229 million) towards research and development in these sectors.
Overseen by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), this investment is part of a broader initiative to enhance the nation’s capabilities in key S-curve industries.
According to a report from the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year will include funding for 100,000 employees in support of the semiconductor industry,
“Thailand urgently needs to add more researchers to support the country’s competitiveness in science and innovation, in particular to support S-curve industries,” said Sirirurg Songsivilai, chairman of the National Commission on Science, Research, and Innovation.
He adds “Young researchers with varied expertise are needed to cope with future challenges.”
“The country also needs more research infrastructure, new equipment and laboratories, research funding and a network for research collaboration, said Mr Sirirurg.
Nirawat Thammajak, TSRI Vice-President, acknowledged the increasing need for expertise in AI, EVs, and quantum computing.
“We need to estimate the demand for frontier researchers in AI, EVs, and quantum computing to support S-curve industries,” he said.
The semiconductor sector is considered particularly strategic, especially with current geopolitical tensions between the US and China leading to a relocation of semiconductor plants from Taiwan to Southeast Asia.
Thailand stands to benefit significantly from this shift. Nirawat pointed out.
“Thailand could supply 100,000 high-skilled workers to the semiconductor industry, with 88,880 workers already in related fields like electrical engineering as of 2021.”
Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like’!
