The Thai government has announced the launch of a new project aimed at developing a large language model in Thai as part of its efforts to secure sovereignty in the field of artificial intelligence and enhance the digital economy. The project, valued at 80 million baht, aims to build a robust AI infrastructure in the country that comprehends the Thai language, culture, and context.
Patchara Anuntaselpa, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, stated that digital technology and artificial intelligence are no longer just support tools but have become essential infrastructure for the future. This project comes at a time when Thailand's economic growth is slowing, with GDP growth recorded between 1-2%, while the digital economy has shown steady growth at 3-4%.
Event Details
The Ministry of Digital Economy has collaborated with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to launch the ThaiLLM model, which is considered an urgent economic necessity. The project aims to establish a national AI infrastructure that will help accelerate the development of AI-related skills within the workforce.
The ministry plans to distribute 5 million AI service rights across various sectors within a year, including global platforms and ThaiLLM. The data generated from this distribution will be used to continuously improve the model.
Background & Context
In recent years, AI technologies have become an integral part of the global economy, with countries striving to develop local models that align with their cultures and needs. In Thailand's case, the ThaiLLM project represents a strategic step towards achieving independence in the field of AI, especially since the Thai language accounts for less than 0.05% of global online content.
A national database has been established to collect data from multiple sources, including government data and contributions from institutions such as the National Research Council of Thailand and the National Library. Core models have also been developed under an open license, allowing developers to upload and build specialized models.
Impact & Consequences
The ThaiLLM project is seen as a transformation in how AI is utilized in Thailand, focusing on local context rather than competing with major global companies. This emphasis on local knowledge can help reduce costs for government agencies and startups, facilitating the development of self-hosted applications.
The government is working to accelerate the development of the AI workforce through new curricula and training programs, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the skills necessary to meet future challenges.
Regional Significance
This project serves as a model for Arab countries seeking to enhance their capabilities in the field of AI. Arab nations can benefit from Thailand's experience in building local AI infrastructure, contributing to sustainable economic development.
In conclusion, the ThaiLLM project illustrates how countries can invest in modern technology to achieve economic development and enhance sovereignty in the field of artificial intelligence, opening new avenues for regional and international cooperation.