Microsoft Thailand Launches THAI Academy, Ambitious Plan to Upskill Over 1 Million Thais in AI by 2025

Microsoft Thailand has taken a bold step toward shaping the nation’s digital future with the launch of the THAI Academy, a transformative initiative designed to upskill over one million Thais in artificial intelligence (AI) by the end of 2025. Announced in collaboration with the Royal Thai Government and supported by a network of 35 public and private sector partners, the THAI Academy aims to propel Thailand into the forefront of the AI-first era, in alignment with the country’s National AI Master Plan.

THAI Academy: A National Partnership for AI Empowerment

The THAI Academy is not just a Microsoft endeavor but a national movement. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, with Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong emphasizing that the program aligns with Thailand’s vision to enhance its global competitiveness by collaborating with leading technology companies. “AI is a transformative technology that plays a critical role in positioning Thailand for robust growth on the global stage,” he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to widespread and inclusive AI literacy.

Microsoft Thailand’s Managing Director, Dhanawat Suthumpun, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the government’s prioritization of AI upskilling. “Through the THAI Academy programme, Microsoft is working with public- and private-sector partners to make AI learning opportunities widely accessible for the Thai population. Our goal is to upskill over 1 million Thais by the end of 2025,” Suthumpun said.

AI Skills Navigator: A Platform for All

At the heart of the THAI Academy is the AI Skills Navigator, an online learning platform offering more than 200 AI courses developed by Microsoft and its partners. These courses are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of learners—from absolute beginners and general users to specialized professionals and software developers. Notable courses include:

1. AI Basics: Foundational knowledge covering the history and core principles of AI.
2. AI Skills for Everyone: A practical guide to using Microsoft AI tools in daily tasks.
3. Azure AI: Zero to Hero: An introduction to cloud computing and AI for aspiring developers, enabling them to build AI-powered solutions.

The platform ensures that learning is accessible, with over 80% of courses available in the Thai language, addressing the needs of diverse user groups and helping to bridge the digital skills gap in the country.

Sector-Focused Initiatives

The THAI Academy goes beyond online learning, launching targeted initiatives across key sectors:

1. Government: In partnership with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) and the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), Microsoft will train over 100,000 civil servants in AI. The “GovAI Hackathon” will encourage government personnel to develop AI-driven solutions for public benefit.
2. Education: The Ministry of Education is collaborating with Microsoft to train 4,500 teachers, who will then pass on AI knowledge to more than 400,000 students nationwide. The curriculum includes Microsoft’s AI Basics and is integrated into the national AI literacy program for primary and secondary education.
3. Cybersecurity: The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) is working with Microsoft to provide AI and cybersecurity training to over 300 professionals and 10,000 students, strengthening the nation’s digital resilience.
4. SMEs: The program partners with industry organizations to empower more than 20,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to harness AI for business growth and innovation, ensuring equal access to learning and employment opportunities across the country.

Building Thailand’s AI Future

The THAI Academy is a cornerstone of Microsoft’s broader vision for “AI for All Thais,” which seeks to democratize access to AI skills and technology. The initiative is supported by significant investments in digital infrastructure, including a new Microsoft data center region in Thailand, which will expand cloud services and ensure enterprise-grade reliability, performance, and compliance.

This comprehensive approach is designed to address Thailand’s digital competitiveness, with the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking showing the country’s improvement but also highlighting the need for stronger training and education schemes.

Microsoft Thailand’s THAI Academy represents a landmark effort to prepare the nation’s workforce for the demands of an AI-driven economy. By offering accessible, high-quality AI education and fostering collaboration across government, education, and industry, the program aims to ensure that every Thai citizen can participate in—and benefit from—the digital transformation sweeping the globe. As the country aspires to become a regional leader in AI, the THAI Academy stands as a pivotal platform for inclusive growth, innovation, and future readiness.

Chart your course and learn AI today with AI Skills Navigator.