Thailand’s AI Bill Prioritizes Responsible Use and Rights Protection
On June 10, 2025, Thailand’s government took a significant step toward regulating artificial intelligence (AI) by introducing a new AI bill aimed at establishing a clear legal framework that prioritizes responsible use and rights protection. This initiative comes at a time when the rapid growth of AI technologies presents various ethical and regulatory challenges.
Public Consultation and Legislative Goals
The bill is currently open for public consultation until June 9, with the objective of addressing the use of high-risk AI applications. The proposed legislation aims to tackle critical issues related to rights violations, security, and civil liberties.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, AI is viewed as a crucial driver of the digital economy and a tool for enhancing citizens’ quality of life. However, the rapid advancement of this technology brings forth challenges in ethics, transparency, and accountability.
Governance Framework
The bill has been designed to implement a tiered regulation system based on the risk level associated with different AI applications. High-risk AI systems will be subject to stringent regulations, while general AI applications will adhere to best practice guidelines.
Key considerations in this regulatory approach include:
- AI accountability – Ensuring that developers and deployers of AI systems are held responsible for their impacts.
- Algorithmic transparency – Mandating that AI systems provide clear insights into how decisions are made.
- Safeguards for human rights – Implementing measures to protect individuals from potential harms caused by AI applications.
Collaboration with Experts
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) is working in collaboration with experts from the AI Governance Centre (AIGC) and other relevant agencies to ensure that the guidelines are tailored to Thailand’s unique context while remaining aligned with global developments.
Core Dimensions of the Bill
The AI bill encompasses three main dimensions:
- Removing legal barriers – The legislation seeks to eliminate regulatory obstacles that hinder AI adoption.
- Promoting AI development – This includes implementing incentives such as funding support, tax reductions, and the establishment of regulatory sandboxes.
- AI governance and oversight – A diverse regulatory framework will be established, incorporating both soft law and hard law mechanisms.
Focus on High-Risk Applications
The use of high-risk AI systems, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare, finance, and government services, will necessitate having transparent oversight and specialized regulatory bodies. The governance framework must adapt to keep pace with technological advancements.
Human Resources and Infrastructure Development
The development of AI legislation should be accompanied by efforts to improve human resources and national infrastructure. This encompasses enhancing technical expertise, establishing ethical standards, and ensuring practical implementation across various sectors, including agriculture and public administration.
Data Sharing and Digital Sovereignty
A vital aspect of the AI bill is the design of a data-sharing system that respects digital sovereignty. This involves balancing data ownership, ensuring open-source accessibility, and maintaining domestic data security.
A Tool for Shaping the Future
In conclusion, the AI bill is not merely a technical regulation but a tool for shaping the future of Thailand’s AI landscape. It aims to guide responsible progress while ensuring the protection of human dignity in the digital age. The emphasis on public participation in establishing collective governance rules reflects a commitment to creating an inclusive framework that benefits all members of society.
