BANGKOK — Thailand has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets for artificial intelligence, with OpenAI reporting that weekly active users of ChatGPT in the country have quadrupled over the past year.
The dramatic growth figures were unveiled at the first OpenAI Forum held in Thailand on Friday, an event that brought together more than 100 business leaders at Bangkok’s House of Wisdom venue. The forum, titled “AI LEAP: Turning Today’s Disruption into Tomorrow’s Advantage,” featured OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon making his inaugural visit to the kingdom.
Speaking at the event moderated by media personality Woody Milintachinda, Kwon attributed Thailand’s rapid AI adoption to the country’s inherent optimism about new technology. “The difference might actually just come down to optimism and belief,” Kwon told attendees, suggesting that Thailand’s positive outlook and adaptability position it to “leapfrog into the future” across sectors including education, healthcare, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Young Thais Drive Adoption
New OpenAI data reveals that Thailand’s AI surge is primarily driven by users aged 18-24, who are incorporating ChatGPT into various aspects of their daily lives. The top five applications among Thai users are translation services, personal development advice, tutoring and learning, self-care guidance covering health and fitness, and personal writing assistance.
KBTG Group Chairman Ruangroj “Krating” Poonpol, who joined the forum discussion, emphasized AI’s potential to create more equitable opportunities. “Technology must be a tool for inclusion—to help close the gap, not widen it,” Poonpol said. “AI can provide a more level playing field, democratising access to intelligence and enabling young people to learn fast, create, and leapfrog into the future.”
Creative Industry Advantages
Industry leaders at the forum highlighted Thailand’s established reputation for creativity and early technology adoption as key competitive advantages in the AI space. The country has previously demonstrated rapid uptake of innovations from mobile banking to social media platforms.
“Thai people are fast learners and fast adopters. It’s in our DNA,” Poonpol noted, pointing to the combination of adaptability and creativity that positions Thailand as a potential AI leader in the region.
Milintachinda added that Thai creators already win international awards in advertising and content creation, suggesting that AI tools could enable them to pioneer new formats like personalized filmmaking and innovative creative platforms.
Sustainable Growth Focus
The forum emphasized that Thailand’s AI growth extends beyond simple consumption toward building a sustainable ecosystem. With strong youth adoption, established governance frameworks, and a commitment to inclusive development, the country appears positioned to play a leading role in how AI integrates into daily life and future industries across Southeast Asia.
The rapid growth in Thailand reflects broader regional trends, as Southeast Asian nations increasingly embrace artificial intelligence technologies for economic and social development.
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