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Thailands ETDA Unveils 2026 AI Governance Roadmap to Position Nation as Regional Hub
On 15 June 2026, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) released its 2026 artificial‑intelligence strategy, outlining a two‑pillar plan designed to cement Thailand’s reputation as a regional AI‑governance leader.
The first pillar focuses on building a robust national framework that assigns clear responsibilities to AI developers and users. ETDA will roll out guidelines and toolkits that translate global AI‑governance principles into Thai‑specific requirements, according to the agency’s statement. The second pillar shifts the emphasis to real‑world adoption, targeting the training of public‑sector staff, embedding AI ethics in schools, and deploying AI solutions within small‑and‑medium enterprises (SMEs).
Rojana Lamlert, an ETDA advisor and head of the AI Governance Center (AIGC), emphasized the initiative’s core aim: to strengthen public trust in Thailand’s AI ecosystem. She said the AIGC would deliver “robust governance foundations through practical guidelines and toolkits” and would collaborate with domestic and international partners to accelerate on‑the‑ground implementation.
To date, the AIGC has issued twelve toolkits, with two more—covering ethical AI impact assessment and AI value creation—under development for 2026. These resources are intended for both public and private organisations. Complementing the toolkit effort is the AI Watch Series, a monitoring initiative that analyses global and domestic AI developments, trends, and risks. The series also produces policy recommendations, legal white papers, and research publications to support the national framework.
Training remains a cornerstone of the plan. The AI Governance for Government programme has already supported AI readiness in 20 ministries, while the AI Change Agent Programme has completed five cohorts and is moving toward establishing chief AI officer roles. AIGC aims to certify 80 trainers and extend AI‑governance knowledge to more than 3,000 public‑sector personnel by 2027.
In education, ETDA is partnering with the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, UNICEF, and expert networks to launch the “AI and Digital Ethics for Educators” programme. The initiative seeks to weave AI literacy and ethical considerations into every learning discipline.
SMEs receive targeted support through the “SMEs Growth” programme, which delivers AI training across Thailand’s four regions. One module concentrates on generative AI for SME transformation and AI‑powered marketing.
The Digital Citizen initiative aims to elevate digital skills and AI literacy nationwide. ETDA plans to train 2,000 trainers across 400 districts by 2026 and to reach more than 60,000 citizens. Four new AI‑enhanced digital‑literacy courses—covering digital use, communication, security, and literacy—are being developed under the Digital Personnel Development Institute and will be available on e‑learning platforms in September.
Strategic sectors also receive focused attention. In partnership with the Administrative Court of Thailand, ETDA is organising the Responsible AI Innovation Hackathon (AI for Justice). The event encourages the creation of AI solutions that improve access to justice, streamline legal processes, and promote transparent, accountable, and ethical AI use.
Looking ahead, the agency is preparing to host AI Governance Week 2026, an international platform scheduled from 29 June to 3 July. The five‑day event will bring together Thai and global AI‑governance leaders—including policymakers, regulators, technology experts, researchers, and international organisations—to bridge theory and practice.
In summary, Thailand’s ETDA is positioning the country as a regional AI‑governance hub through a comprehensive strategy that combines framework development, capacity building, sector‑specific initiatives, and international collaboration. The agency’s plans include the launch of the AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC), the expansion of training programmes, the rollout of digital‑literacy courses, and the hosting of AI Governance Week 2026. The next steps will involve finalising toolkits, certifying trainers, and executing the planned hackathon and week‑long conference.
The first pillar focuses on building a robust national framework that assigns clear responsibilities to AI developers and users. ETDA will roll out guidelines and toolkits that translate global AI‑governance principles into Thai‑specific requirements, according to the agency’s statement. The second pillar shifts the emphasis to real‑world adoption, targeting the training of public‑sector staff, embedding AI ethics in schools, and deploying AI solutions within small‑and‑medium enterprises (SMEs).
Rojana Lamlert, an ETDA advisor and head of the AI Governance Center (AIGC), emphasized the initiative’s core aim: to strengthen public trust in Thailand’s AI ecosystem. She said the AIGC would deliver “robust governance foundations through practical guidelines and toolkits” and would collaborate with domestic and international partners to accelerate on‑the‑ground implementation.
To date, the AIGC has issued twelve toolkits, with two more—covering ethical AI impact assessment and AI value creation—under development for 2026. These resources are intended for both public and private organisations. Complementing the toolkit effort is the AI Watch Series, a monitoring initiative that analyses global and domestic AI developments, trends, and risks. The series also produces policy recommendations, legal white papers, and research publications to support the national framework.
Training remains a cornerstone of the plan. The AI Governance for Government programme has already supported AI readiness in 20 ministries, while the AI Change Agent Programme has completed five cohorts and is moving toward establishing chief AI officer roles. AIGC aims to certify 80 trainers and extend AI‑governance knowledge to more than 3,000 public‑sector personnel by 2027.
In education, ETDA is partnering with the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, UNICEF, and expert networks to launch the “AI and Digital Ethics for Educators” programme. The initiative seeks to weave AI literacy and ethical considerations into every learning discipline.
SMEs receive targeted support through the “SMEs Growth” programme, which delivers AI training across Thailand’s four regions. One module concentrates on generative AI for SME transformation and AI‑powered marketing.
The Digital Citizen initiative aims to elevate digital skills and AI literacy nationwide. ETDA plans to train 2,000 trainers across 400 districts by 2026 and to reach more than 60,000 citizens. Four new AI‑enhanced digital‑literacy courses—covering digital use, communication, security, and literacy—are being developed under the Digital Personnel Development Institute and will be available on e‑learning platforms in September.
Strategic sectors also receive focused attention. In partnership with the Administrative Court of Thailand, ETDA is organising the Responsible AI Innovation Hackathon (AI for Justice). The event encourages the creation of AI solutions that improve access to justice, streamline legal processes, and promote transparent, accountable, and ethical AI use.
Looking ahead, the agency is preparing to host AI Governance Week 2026, an international platform scheduled from 29 June to 3 July. The five‑day event will bring together Thai and global AI‑governance leaders—including policymakers, regulators, technology experts, researchers, and international organisations—to bridge theory and practice.
In summary, Thailand’s ETDA is positioning the country as a regional AI‑governance hub through a comprehensive strategy that combines framework development, capacity building, sector‑specific initiatives, and international collaboration. The agency’s plans include the launch of the AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC), the expansion of training programmes, the rollout of digital‑literacy courses, and the hosting of AI Governance Week 2026. The next steps will involve finalising toolkits, certifying trainers, and executing the planned hackathon and week‑long conference.
