Thailand’s Federation of Thai SME Association is seeking government aid for smaller firms adopting artificial intelligence (AI), including trial subsidies and clinics, Bangkok Post reported amid a measured adoption gap.
Bangkok Post reported that federation President Noppong Teeravorn proposed vouchers or partial subsidies for businesses to test small AI tools, plus nationwide clinics where operators could seek practical advice, mentoring and help finding developers. He also called for support for Thai-language AI models, protections for customer data and system security, and measures to address AI-generated fake images and audio. “The key challenge is not having the most advanced technology,” he said.
The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), part of the National Science and Technology Development Agency, said its 2026 survey covered 574 public- and private-sector organizations across 10 industry groups. It found that 43.8% of small organizations had adopted AI, compared with 67.2% of large organizations. Readiness scores were 35.9% for small organizations and 41.1% for large ones; both groups were rated “Aware.” The survey covered organizations broadly, not SMEs alone.
Among organizations already using AI, 86.4% could not yet report results: 49.4% had not measured them, while 37.0% were still collecting data. NECTEC Executive Director Chai Wutiwiwatchai said future support should be judged by actual use and results.
In a July announcement, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) described AI Transformation support that included a 50% matching contribution through d-transform, capped at 200,000 baht per business. It also described free technology trials lasting at least six months through d-voucher.
At an Oct. 12 World Bank event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas said Thailand wanted to lower AI costs, including token costs, so SMEs and startups could develop and use AI tools. The World Bank describes small AI as lower-cost applications that help people access expertise through everyday channels, such as messaging and voice services. Separately, its 2026 World Development Report says countries can adapt existing AI to local languages and needs without building frontier models.
A government summary on Oct. 27 said the Ministry of Commerce was advancing AI use in data analysis, marketing and communication, developing tools for agriculture, manufacturing and logistics, and using AI to analyze export markets.
