Thailand Showcases AI-Powered “Whispering Bird” to Boost Productivity and Incomes at 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings

Thailand is advancing an artificial intelligence (AI) strategy aimed at creating jobs, raising productivity, and increasing incomes, while ensuring that the benefits of AI investment reach businesses and workers across the economy.

Speaking at the World Bank flagship event “Small AI, Big Jobs” during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Bangkok from 12 to 18 October, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas outlined three priorities: All in AI, to strengthen Thailand’s capabilities across the AI value chain; AI in All, to integrate practical AI applications into existing industries; and AI for All, to ensure inclusive access to skills, employment, credit, and social protection.

The Government is attracting investment in data centrers, cloud computing, and digital industries while seeking to ensure that these investments generate high-skilled jobs, support research and development (R&D), and strengthen Thai manufacturers, universities, and the domestic digital ecosystem.

Through the Skill Bridge program, 42 projects have been approved, with a total of 2.03 billion baht (approximately 60.5 million US dollars) in support and training plans covering 76,728 people. The Government is also promoting AI applications that build on Thailand’s strengths in healthcare, agriculture, and tourism, with opportunities to expand into regional markets.

For small vendors, the “AI Whispering Bird” program in the Tungngern (Money Bag) app will help analyse sales trends, ingredient costs, profits, and transaction data to improve inventory planning and reduce operating costs. AI will also help workers access upskilling opportunities and high-skilled jobs, facilitate access to formal credit, and enable more targeted welfare assistance, while strengthening digital financial security.

The strategy aims to ensure that AI investment delivers lasting value for Thailand by developing a skilled workforce, strengthening local industries, and helping Thai businesses compete in the digital economy. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to expand AI adoption, but to create better jobs, raise incomes, and broaden economic opportunities for Thai people.