Thailand is taking a major step toward transforming its education system by integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms nationwide. The initiative aims to reverse years of academic decline and better prepare students for a fast-changing digital world.
In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Thai 15-year-olds scored below the OECD average in reading, mathematics, and science.
The results, which also dropped compared with 2018, have raised concerns about the country’s academic competitiveness and the urgent need for education reform.
Officials say the next four years will be crucial as Thailand prepares for the generation born in 2025, who are expected to grow up with AI-supported learning from the start of their education.
The Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards (BAAES), under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), is leading the initiative to embed AI tools and literacy into classrooms across the country.
Bangkok Leads Digital Transformation
Bangkok deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have been undergoing digital transformation for over three years.
The process requires not only funding but also clear guidelines on responsible technology use and long-term planning, he said.
By the end of this year, every Prathom 6 (Grade 4) student across 437 BMA schools will have their own computer for the first time.
Pilot projects in six schools using AI-assisted learning have already shown significant improvement in student engagement, with pupils arriving early and staying late to continue lessons.
To strengthen English proficiency, a key skill for international competitiveness, the BMA has launched a citywide initiative combining technology integration, teacher training, and student development.
In partnership with education startup Edsy and SVOA Public Co Ltd, the city introduced Edsy AI Coach, a digital platform that helps students improve English pronunciation and grammar.
“Hiring native English teachers is costly and not always possible,” Mr. Sanon said. “AI allows personalized learning experiences even in large classrooms.”
According to last year’s pilot report, participating students improved fluency by 10%, accuracy by 14%, and pronunciation by 12% within two months. Encouraged by these results, the project has now expanded to 136 schools and is set to reach all BMA schools in the near future.
National Rollout and AI Literacy
At the national level, BAAES has developed AI-based learning materials and handbooks for teachers and students. More than 60,000 students and 700 pilot schools have participated in training programs designed to build early AI literacy.
“Teaching with AI reduces teacher workload and personalises instruction,” said Eakasit Piyasangtong, BAAES director.
“We’ve partnered with Google, Microsoft, and other global organisations to use tools such as Gemini, Chattivity, Deepseek, and Leonardo. More than two million educators have already participated in AI-related training.”
Meanwhile, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) is promoting digital ethics through its Digital Citizen Plus program, which trains teachers to foster “digital intelligence” among students, ensuring they use technology safely, responsibly, and creatively.
Globally, 97% of students have some exposure to AI, but more than half study it independently. Mr. Eakasit said Thailand’s strategy aims to close this gap through structured lessons and comprehensive teacher training.
The World Bank has noted that Thailand’s investment in innovation and future skills lags behind countries such as South Korea and Vietnam.
“Thailand has begun moving toward innovation and creativity, even developing its own innovation index — one of the few countries to do so,” said Melinda Good, the World Bank’s Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar.
“But greater investment in innovation and education beyond the basics is essential,” she said.
Mr. Eakasit said Thailand’s cultural diversity and creative traditions give it a unique advantage in designing AI learning models that suit local contexts.
“AI can support not only STEM education but also arts and problem-solving,” he said. “Students can blend technology with traditional skills to produce original, high-quality work.”
AI learning in Thailand now starts as early as kindergarten and continues through secondary education. Students are taught to use AI tools, understand their influence, and consider ethical implications.
With nearly 60,000 students and 700 schools already participating, Thailand’s foundation for AI literacy is steadily expanding. The next phase will focus on building a full AI ecosystem, including device access, local data centres, research hubs, and ethics education.
“Thailand’s long-term goal,” Mr. Eakasit concluded, “is to move beyond being an AI consumer and become an AI innovator.”
