As artificial intelligence (AI) technology plays an increasingly crucial role in today’s world, AI knowledge and skills have become essential. The development of AI talent is therefore a crucial factor in adapting to changes in the labor market and industry shifts, driving economic growth, and enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness on a global stage. 

This necessity has led to the establishment of the Super AI Engineer program. On February 20, 2025, the Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand (AIAT), the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) held a press conference announcing the collaboration between public and private sector organizations in advancing AI talent development. This initiative aims to cultivate AI innovators, engineers, and researchers to support the country’s industrial development in the face of rapid global transformations under the Super AI Engineer Season 5 project.

The event was honored by Phanpermsak Arunee, Ph.D. Acting Advisor for Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Development of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who presided over the event and addressed "Policy Directions of MHESI Amidst the Severe Changes from AI Disruption."

Additionally, Pavadee Aungkavattana, Ph.D. Deputy Director of Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), presented on 'PMU-B and the Development of High-Competency AI Talent.' Thepchai Supnithi, Ph.D. President of Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand, gave a talk on "AI and Human Development Towards Sustainability." 

The event also featured a special panel discussion on "How AI Talent Development Can Benefit Thailand?" with distinguished speakers, including Sawit Kasuriya, Ph.D., Deputy Executive Director of The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poon Thiengburanathum, Vice President from Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMUA), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sommai Pivsa-Art, the President of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Mr. Kaweewut Tong Temphuwapat Chief Innovation Officer of SCBX, and Mr. Amnaj Singhachan, Head of Marketing at LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., 

This event reflected the strong collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and civil society in driving the development of AI talent. Many executives from organizations involved in the Super AI Engineer Season 5 project, as well as supporting organizations, attended the event, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Nongnuch Ketui, Head of the Super AI Engineer Season 5 project, and  Executive from LG, SCBX, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., AXONS Corporate, The Pine Resort, AltoTech Global Co., Ltd., SCG, Business Online Public Company Limited, Touch Tech Solution Company Limited, the Regional Network Coordination Centers, affiliated universities, NSTDA Supercomputer Center: ThaiSC, Digital Council of Thailand, Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMUA), Bank of Thailand, Hospital of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, and Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneur Association of Thailand (AIEAT).

Phanpermsak Arunee, Ph.D. Acting Advisor for Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Development of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)

Phanpermsak Arunee, Ph.D. Acting Advisor for Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Development of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) stated that Thailand faces 2 major AI-related challenges: a shortage of skilled personnel and the adoption of AI remains limited. In response, the Ministry has established the "MHESI for AI" policy, focusing on 3 key pillars: 1. AI for Education – Utilizing AI in teaching and learning to maximize the potential of Thai citizens as efficiently and rapidly as possible. 2. AI Workforce Development – Developing AI talent and establishing a strong AI foundation for individuals in the education system and labor market. 3. AI Innovation – Supporting AI-driven innovations for commercialization, developing AI standards and testing, and promoting widespread adoption to enhance Thailand’s economy. According to data from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, there is currently a shortage of over 80,000 AI professionals in Thailand. However, more than half of AI-trained individuals do not work in IT-related fields. Meanwhile, businesses still have the highest demand for hiring AI talent for research and development, which accounts for the highest proportion of job openings in the sector (35%).

Pavadee Aungkavattana, Ph.D. Deputy Director of Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B)

Pavadee Aungkavattana, Ph.D. Deputy Director of Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), emphasized the agency’s vision as a key driver in fostering collaboration within the Science Research and Innovation (SRI) system. Their goal is to develop highly skilled personnel and cutting-edge research to support Thailand’s future industries and strengthen its position in ASEAN. This vision aligns with the AI Workforce Development policy of MHESI. Therefore, demand-driven development of high-competency AI professionals is crucial in preparing Thailand for global AI disruptions. This is evident in the continuous funding support for AI workforce development since 2020, under the "AI for All" initiative, particularly through the Super AI Engineer program. This program has contributed significantly to training AI engineers and AI tool users (AI Beginners / Prompt Engineers). According to statistics from Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), MHESI Thailand, during the 2022-2023 academic year, fewer than 500 graduates specialized in AI-related disciplines. The Super AI Engineer program, therefore, plays a vital role in addressing Thailand's AI workforce shortage. 

Assoc. Prof. Poon Tiangboonratham, PhD, Deputy Director of Planning and Organizational Strategy at the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU-A)

Moreover, Assoc. Prof. Poon Tiangboonratham, PhD, Deputy Director of Planning and Organizational Strategy at the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU-A), stated that PMU-A focuses on job creation to further develop existing AI talent and integrate them into local communities, a concept known as AI Localization. This initiative serves as a bridge, linking the AI talent development efforts of the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B) to community-based employment opportunities through the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU-A).

Super AI Engineer Season 5

Super AI Engineer, now in its fifth season, has seen immense interest from its first through fourth seasons, attracting more than 33,000 applicants. Super AI Engineer Season 5 aims to further enhance AI talent development by equipping individuals with industry-relevant AI skills to meet global standards. The program focuses on 3 key groups: AI Innovators, AI Engineers, and AI Researchers. It also provides pathways for participants to become AI entrepreneurs (AI Solopreneur/AI Entrepreneur) and AI instructors, contributing to the development of the AI workforce ecosystem. Furthermore, the program fosters collaboration to expand AI capabilities across all sectors and establish professional AI qualification standards linked to Thailand’s credit bank system for advanced AI talent development.

This year, the program is driven by three key organizations: The Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand (AIAT), The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), and Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT).

Thepchai Supnithi, Ph.D. President of Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand

Thepchai Supnithi, Ph.D. President of Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand, emphasized that fostering a thriving AI ecosystem requires a strong talent foundation. By developing AI professionals with certified competencies, the Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand (AIAT) aims to strengthen the country’s AI-driven industries and economy sustainably.

(from left to right) Asst. Prof. Dr. Nongnuch Ketui, Head of the Super AI Engineer Season 5 project / Dr. Sanparith Marukatat, head of AI Engineer Track / Assoc.Prof.Dr. Sarana Nutanong, head of AI Researcher Track

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nongnuch Ketui, Head of the Super AI Engineer Season 5 project, highlighted that the National AI Action Plan (2022-2027) encompasses five strategic pillars: 1) AI Ethics and Regulations, 2) AI Infrastructure, 3) AI Workforce Development, 4) AI Research and Innovation, and 5) AI Business Promotion. In response, this year’s program introduces two new tracks, making a total of three:

Track 1: AI Innovator – Focused on creating AI solutions using existing AI software, AI tools, and APIs to develop applications and services for various sectors. (new track)

Track 2: AI Engineer – Designed for AI engineers developing AI models for practical applications. (previously established track)

Track 3: AI Researcher – Aimed at advancing AI research and academic contributions at the international level. (new track)

These initiatives thus align with Thailand’s AI Action Plan strategies 3, 4, and 5.

Additionally, appreciation is extended to the 5 Regional Network Coordination Centers — Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University, Mahidol University (Salaya), Burapha University, and Prince of Songkla University (Phuket Campus)—for their continuous collaboration since Season 1 to Season 4. This year, the project has expanded its partnerships to include the Rajamangala University of Technology network and the Rajabhat University network, such as Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Buriram Rajabhat University, Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University, and several other institutions that are currently in the process of joining the initiative. These collaborations aim to further develop human resources in the AI Innovator sector.

Public and Private Sector Collaboration in AI Talent DevelopmentMr. Amnaj Singhachan, Head of Marketing at LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd.,

Mr. Amnaj Singhachan Head of Marketing at LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted LG’s commitment to supporting AI talent development as a leading technology provider. LG has contributed over THB 2.4 million in LG gram laptops to support the Super AI Engineer project.

Mr. Kaweewut Tong Temphuwapat Chief Innovation Officer of SCBX

Additionally, Mr. Kaweewut Tong Temphuwapat Chief Innovation Officer, SCBX, stated that  “In an era where AI serves as a key driver of the economy, SCBX recognizes the importance of developing AI talent and has thus committed to supporting the Super AI Engineer program, alongside investing in and establishing an AI Sandbox for research and development. Furthermore, SCBX is dedicated to strengthening Thailand’s AI infrastructure through Typhoon – Thailand’s Large Language Model (LLM), which is specifically designed to cater to the needs of Thai users. This initiative aims to enhance AI innovation capabilities and facilitate practical AI applications across key industries and businesses in Thailand. The participants in the Super AI Engineer program Season 5 will have the opportunity to actively participate in the development of the Typhoon LLM.”

Surasak Wanichwetphiboon, CTO of Huawei Cloud Thailand

Meanwhile, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has supported Huawei Cloud. Surasak Wanichwetphiboon, CTO of Huawei Cloud Thailand, who also attended the event, stated that “Huawei has established Huawei Cloud in Thailand and is ready to support cloud computing resources to enable participants in the Super AI Engineer program to fully access cutting-edge AI tools and platforms. This will enhance the efficiency of AI solution and AI model development, support large-scale data processing, and empower Thai AI developers to compete on a global level. We sincerely hope that this collaboration will elevate the capabilities of AI developers in Thailand, allowing them to grow alongside the global technology industry. We also extend our gratitude to the Super AI Engineer program for providing Huawei Cloud the opportunity to be a part of Thailand’s AI future since Season 1. We remain committed to continuing this collaboration to build a robust AI ecosystem that supports developers at all levels.”

In addition, a wide range of organizations from the public, private, and civil society have come together to promote the development of AI professionals in Thailand, aiming to better prepare for the rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence technology and in enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Apply for Super AI Engineer Season 5 to upskill/reskill with essential modern skills—free throughout the program.

Interested individuals can apply for the AI Innovator, AI Engineer, or AI Researcher tracks at superai.aiat.or.th by March 2, 2025, to be considered for Level 2 selection.

However, for those who want to just learn foundational AI through an online platform offering over hundred AI courses across various fields, with the flexibility to study anytime and anywhere, you can also apply at superai.aiat.or.th until October 31, 2025.

Once registered for the program, participants can start learning online immediately and free of charge throughout the entire program. Additionally, those who progress to Level 2 in each track will be eligible for financial support, which varies depending on the specific track.

For updates, visit superai.aiat.or.th or follow the Super AI Engineer Development Program on Facebook.

For those interested in becoming a part of the initiative to drive AI talent development alongside the Super AI Engineer Season 5 program, further inquiries about project sponsorship can be directed to Ms. Sirikorn Prathum, Director of the AI Association of Thailand, at 097-1861734 or 099-2263664.

For inquiries regarding participation in the program’s activities : contact Ms. Chatcha Supanupappong (AIAT) at 097-1861734 or email [email protected].