Microsoft reveals Thailand ranks second in the world for rapid growth in AI adoption.

Microsoft has released its latest indicators, revealing strong growth in AI technology in Thailand, propelling it to second place globally. The company attributes this momentum to key drivers: leadership vision and the readiness of the data-driven workforce. Meanwhile, experts point out that the remaining 88% of the population lacking access to AI represents a "golden opportunity" to enhance the country's competitiveness.

June 9, 25609 – Mr. Thanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand and New Markets Data from a global survey covering 147 countries revealed interesting statistics regarding the adoption of artificial intelligence technology. This information, from the Global AI Diffusion report for Thailand, presented at the Microsoft AI Tour Bangkok, indicates that: Currently, Thailand has an overall AI adoption rate of only 12.4%. The country with the highest AI adoption rate in the world is the United Arab Emirates at 70.1%, which still lags behind the global average of 17.8%.

But in terms of year-on-year growth, comparing data from the first half of 2025 with the first quarter of 2026... Found that Thailand has a high growth rate of 36.4%, making it the second fastest-growing country in the world in terms of AI adoption and adoption.

The accelerating factors behind Thailand's rapid growth are largely driven by the growing awareness of data-related professionals. Thai office workers are at the forefront of adapting to and embracing new technologies, with an AI usage rate as high as 32%, more than double the global average of 16%.

Another equally interesting point is... Policy clarity from organizational leadership. This is considered the most important indicator of success, with 51% of organizational leaders in Thailand having a clear vision and direction for driving AI, almost double the global average of 26%. The combination of grassroots momentum and clarity from the management level is enabling Thailand to move in the right direction and at the right momentum.

However, further data indicates that currently, 87.6% (or approximately 88%) of the Thai population across various professions, such as manufacturing, agriculture, medical personnel, as well as teachers and students, have not yet had access to or widely applied AI. From an economic perspective, this figure is not seen as an obstacle, but rather as a large "area of ​​opportunity" for driving the country's digital economy in the next phase.

Mr. Thanawat He continued: Although the survey did not specify operational strategies or measures for bringing this technology to professions outside the data structure, Microsoft emphasized that the key to unlocking this potential is collaboration across all sectors, from policymakers to practitioners, to ensure that nearly 88% of the population has widespread access to and can utilize AI. The ultimate goal is to increase productivity and foster creativity, which are fundamental to building sustainable economic success and improving the quality of life for the future.

“What we have seen today underscores that AI is a powerful force driving business results, creating new opportunities for the entire country and society, and paving the way to address challenges that previously seemed out of reach. Thailand is fully embracing this opportunity, and Microsoft is proud to be a part of this significant journey.”

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