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Microsoft Thailand and the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Skill Development, have announced a significant partnership to accelerate the readiness of the Thai workforce and enhance competitiveness in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era. This collaboration will deliver AI skills and industry-recognized certifications to 150,000 workers nationwide, supporting Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Plan and advancing the nation’s vision toward Workforce 5.0. This initiative aims to elevate Thailand as a regional leader in workforce readiness and AI innovation for the AI economy, with representatives from various sectors leveraging the knowledge gained to drive AI skill development across all dimensions—including policy-level initiatives, upskilling for all worker groups, and creating a sustainable learning ecosystem.
The AI for Workforce project aims to develop AI skills for the Thai workforce through diverse channels, including support for AI Transformation within the Department of Skill Development to foster a sustainable learning ecosystem through several key initiatives:
- Basic AI skills training via the DSD Online Training platform, offering over 280 AI courses in Thai, with learners receiving joint certification from both organizations
- In-depth Data Analytics training for those aspiring to become developers
- Capacity building programs for policymakers and executives in the Department
- Training programs for workers who are currently unemployed or at risk of job displacement
- Knowledge transfer to the Department’s trainer network nationwide to enable AI skills training and enhance workforce capabilities in every province
- Training for Department staff to be ready to drive AI transformation within the organization. Representatives from various sectors will leverage the knowledge gained to drive comprehensive AI skill development across all dimensions, including policy-level initiatives and upskilling for all worker groups.
Through this partnership, Microsoft and the Ministry of Labour will offer over 280 industry-recognized Thai-language courses, ensuring workers from all sectors have inclusive and equitable access to in-demand AI skills. This complements efforts to strengthen the capabilities of leaders and policymakers at the Department of Skill Development for future workforce strategic planning and organizational reform. This also responds to the nation’s demand for digital personnel, aligning with the ”Survey of Personnel Demand by Job Positions and Required Skills for the 5-Year Period (2025-2029)” by the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), which found that Thailand requires over 1,087,548 highly skilled personnel in key sectors including Aviation and Logistics, Smart Electronics, Digital, and Next-Generation Automotive. Skills in Data Analytics, Software Development Process, and Artificial Intelligence are in particularly high demand within the digital sector. Furthermore, the survey highlights challenges faced by enterprises in recruiting personnel with matching skills and compensation limitations, particularly for Generative AI skills, which are in high demand at 41%.
Ms. Treenuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, stated, “Today, I am delighted and deeply honored to chair this press conference on the AI for Workforce collaboration between the Department of Skill Development and Microsoft (Thailand) Limited. In an era where the global economy is advancing toward full digital transformation, modern technologies—whether Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud, Data, Cybersecurity, or Automation—are rapidly changing how every sector operates. Thailand must urgently develop our people to have skills ready for change, to maintain competitiveness and elevate the quality of life for all Thai workers. Upskilling and Reskilling Thai workers to keep pace with technological changes and the digital economy is therefore a key policy of the Ministry of Labour.”
”This collaboration represents a significant step in elevating the nation’s workforce skill development system. Both organizations have integrated world-class curricula and knowledge in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and digital skills across various fields to make them equally accessible to all groups through the Department of Skill Development’s online learning system. I invite all Thai workers to embrace the opportunity to learn and develop AI skills through the ‘AI for Workforce’ project, which exemplifies concrete public-private collaboration in creating new opportunities and elevating the quality of life for Thai workers with stability and sustainability, including increased employment opportunities and income. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour aims to encourage enterprises to utilize the Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545 (2002) and its amendments for employee training expenses in this program, to stimulate investment in personnel skills. Investing in AI skills is investing in the nation’s future and is a crucial factor that will drive Thailand to achieve its goal of developing AI skills for over 10 million Thais by 2027 and truly become a regional AI leader.”
Mr. Samart Pattamasukhon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of The Ministry of Labour and Acting Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, revealed, “The Department of Skill Development is delighted to continue our collaboration with Microsoft, a global leader in AI technology, to elevate Thai workforce skills to international standards. We recognize the necessity for workers to possess AI skills to adapt and create added value for themselves and their organizations, as well as to respond to increasing digital personnel demand. The AI for Workforce project aims to develop AI skills for Thai workers through diverse channels, including support for AI Transformation within the Department of Skill Development to create a sustainable learning ecosystem through several key initiatives: basic AI skills training via the DSD Online Training platform offering over 280 Thai-language AI courses, with learners receiving joint certification from both organizations; in-depth Data Analytics training for those aspiring to become developers; capacity building for policymakers and executives at the Department; training for workers who are currently unemployed or at risk of job displacement; knowledge transfer to the Department’s trainer network nationwide to enable AI skills training and enhance workforce capabilities in every province; and training for Department staff to be ready to drive AI transformation within the organization. Representatives from various sectors will leverage the knowledge gained to drive AI skill development comprehensively across all dimensions, including policy-level initiatives and upskilling for all worker groups. Additionally, the Department is accelerating the development of national skill standards for Generative AI skills such as Copilot to meet market demand.”
Mr. Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director, Microsoft Thailand and Emerging Markets, stated, “We are at a pivotal moment where AI has become a powerful tool that enhances capabilities and creates opportunities for everyone, every organization, across all industries tremendously. Regarding this collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, we recognize the urgent demand for workers with Generative AI skills at as high as 41%. Microsoft aims to equip Thai workers to become ‘Creators’ and ‘Frontier Workers‘Frontier Firms’ in the new economy, enabling everyone to use AI to drive innovation, embrace new opportunities, and strengthen competitive capabilities for Thailand. We bring our global platform, technology, and AI expertise to support all sectors, ensuring everyone succeeds together in the AI era.” The AI for Workforce project commenced operations in July 2025 and will expand to cover diverse target groups, including those currently unemployed or at risk of job displacement, as well as general workers, to ensure everyone has equal and comprehensive access to AI skills development.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Microsoft Elevate Skills empowers people and organizations to thrive in the AI economy by equipping them with essential AI skills. With a commitment to credential 20 million learners in the next two years, we are bringing AI skills to people and communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit, education, workforce, and government partners to expand workforce readiness and unlock new opportunities through inclusive learning at scale. Our curriculum, training, and advocacy prepare workers for the future of work, while our insights, research, and leadership development support changemakers driving meaningful AI transformation.