| Startup Thailand | TH |
AI x Sustainability: A New Opportunity for Thai Startups on the Global Stage
“AI and Sustainability are global trends that every one of us needs to understand and embrace.” That’s how Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), kicked off a recent forum. The event, “AI and Sustainability on a Global Stage: Trends, Impacts and Opportunities,” was a powerful wake-up call for Thai startups, urging them to recognize a monumental opportunity in a world where technology and the environment are taking center stage.
Dr. Krithpaka emphasized that AI and Sustainability are the hottest topics in the global innovation landscape, set to define The Next Era of Innovation. Thai SMEs and industries must pivot to this new reality. “We have to find a way to use these two forces to drive our businesses, meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, and protect our planet while competing sustainably on the global stage.”
AI: From Smart Tool to Smart Business
Parivat Wongsamran, NIA’s Deputy Executive Director of Innovation Systems, made it clear: AI is no longer a distant sci-fi concept. It’s becoming an essential tool for unlocking new business potential across sectors from healthcare and agriculture to finance and manufacturing.
The game has changed. Where business competition used to be about who had the fastest tech, it’s now about who can use AI most effectively. This means leveraging AI to uncover insights from data, deeply understanding consumer behavior, develop hyper-targeted products, and supercharge production processes.
Even though Thailand has only a few hundred startups developing AI solutions, the market is bursting with untapped potential. New businesses like virtual banks, which rely on AI for credit analysis and customer service, or industries hungry for efficiency gains, can use AI to create instant value and gain a competitive edge.
Sustainability: Beyond a Buzzword, It’s a Business Imperative
The business world’s perspective on sustainability is shifting from a mere social responsibility to a core strategic necessity. For Thai businesses looking to export to Europe or join global supply chains, they’ll soon have to play by new rules. They’ll need to disclose their environmental data and have a plan to reduce carbon emissions, thanks to regulations like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
This makes it crystal clear: sustainability isn’t an option; it’s a prerequisite. Businesses that can weave sustainability into their operations and strategy will not only lessen their environmental footprint but also dramatically boost their competitive power on the global stage.
AI + Creativity: Igniting Thai Brands on the Global Stage
Dr. Chanwit Boonchuay, President of the Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneur Association of Thailand (AIEAT), sees a massive opportunity for Thailand to become an AI developer, not just a user. We must focus on creating high-impact use cases and innovations.
Modern AI doesn’t just crunch numbers, it’s a creative powerhouse that can slash workloads, cut costs, and save time. It lets businesses build on existing solutions or create entirely new products without reinventing the wheel. The real genius lies in using AI to amplify the strengths you already have, paving the way for sustainable growth.
Act Fast… But Think Smart
AI and Sustainability are no longer trends to be ignored. They represent a strategic opportunity and a challenge that Thai entrepreneurs must tackle head-on.
If Thai businesses think big, act decisively, and truly integrate AI with sustainability, we won’t just follow the world—we can become a nation of innovators that the world pays attention to.
The time is now for Thai businesses, especially our startups, to be bold. We need to think big, move forward, and act courageously with smart AI and sustainable goals, creating a better future for our economy and our environment, not just at home, but on the world stage.
