The Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and Microsoft Thailand have launched the THAI Academy - AI in Education project. This collaboration aims to revolutionize Thailand's education system using artificial intelligence (AI), laying the foundation for equitable access to future-ready skills for Thai citizens of all ages.
THAI Academy: A Vision for Future Learning
Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, Thailand is advancing toward a digitally empowered society where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in improving quality of life and driving economic competitiveness. The national strategy sets an ambitious target: to develop an integrated AI ecosystem by 2030, including the training of over 30,000 AI specialists and equipping more than 10 million citizens with AI literacy. This agenda is overseen by the National AI Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, and aims to position Thailand as a regional leader in ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI development.
In alignment with this vision, the Minister of Education has adopted and implemented the national AI policy through a focused educational strategy known as the "3+1 Languages" initiativeThai, Chinese, English, and Digital literacy. This initiative aims to equip Thai students with the essential language and technological skills needed in the digital age. The Ministry's direction aligns with the five pillars of the national AI strategy: (1) ethics, laws, and governance in AI; (2) digital infrastructure and support systems; (3) talent development and education; (4) AI technology, innovation, and research; and (5) applied use of AI in key economic and social sectors. Together, these efforts represent a unified commitment to future-ready learning and inclusive digital transformation.
The THAI Academy - AI in Education initiative seeks to promote educational equity and skill enhancement, preparing the Thai population for the AI-driven digital economy. MOE is building upon its "Anywhere Anytime Learning" concept through the National Digital Learning Platform (NDLP), integrating AI-related content in a concise, intensive, and continuous manner. Learners will have the flexibility to choose courses based on their interests.
In its initial phase, the program targets more than 600,000 high school students nationwide. Plans are also in place to modernize the NDLP with AI-powered tools like AI Chatbots and AI Agents to assist educators in customizing lesson plans and standardizing the quality of education across the country.
Pol. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob, Minister of Education, stated: "This initiative is more than just introducing technologyit's a systemic shift that uplifts both learners and teachers. We believe AI will help students access subjects they are passionate about, while teachers will gain tools to deliver high-quality, modern, and equitable education. True learning will be possible anytime, anywhere."
Empowering Thai Graduates for the Digital Economy
MHESI, in partnership with Microsoft, is supporting free AI learning opportunities for university students and the general public, from beginner to advanced levels. Through the Developer AI Skills Journey program, learners are guided through structured pathways to prepare for emerging careers such as AI engineers, data scientists, and prompt engineers.
Example courses include: "AI Skills for Everyone" - An introductory course for those new to AI, "Azure AI: Zero to Hero" - A deep dive into Microsoft's cloud platform for AI development.
Additionally, the ministry supports the development of micro-credential systems, allowing students from various disciplines to pursue AI skill modules that count toward general education credits. These are delivered via the GETS platform, which incorporates Microsoft course content into Thailand's higher education learning management system.
Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, noted: "We are entering a fully digital economy. The workforce must keep pace. MHESI plays a critical role in equipping higher education students with market-relevant skills through lifelong learning. Today's collaboration marks the beginning of a system where everyone has access to new knowledge and can shape their own future."
GETS (General Education and Transversal Skills) was approved by Thailand's Higher Education Commission as a center of excellence to foster 21st-century skills and serve as the national platform for such collaborations moving forward.
Global Partnership Powering the Future
As a key partner, Microsoft will deliver AI learning opportunities through over 200 free online courses in Thai, ranging from basic to advanced content for professionals such as teachers, administrators, and software developers.
Mr. Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, said: "Today marks the beginning of a strong educational foundation. AI skills will be a gateway to new opportunitiesfrom language learning and bridging teacher-student gaps to elevating Thailand's role from 'Made in Thailand' to 'Born in Thailand'. Together with MOE and MHESI, we aim to build both foundational and advanced AI skills for educators and create a long-term, sustainable learning ecosystem for Thailand."
This collaboration marks the beginning of a powerful alliance between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the private sector in advancing the use of AI for learning across Thai society. Both ministries are committed to fostering open and inclusive partnerships with a wide range of organizationslocally and internationallyincluding technology companies, universities, and industry stakeholders. Together, they aim to build a high-quality, equitable, and future-ready lifelong learning ecosystem for all Thais.
Connecting All Ages Through Lifelong Learning
The THAI Academy - AI in Education project spans the entire educational spectrumfrom primary and secondary to higher education, vocational training, and informal learning. MOE and MHESI are also developing a National Credit Bank System, a centralized repository for learning achievements across all age groups.
A companion portfolio app will help learners plan their educational and career pathways efficiently. Learning will no longer be confined to classrooms or age limitationsit will be a dynamic, lifelong process that directly connects education with future job opportunities.