On 14 October 2025, Mr. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, gave opening remarks at the opening of the 1st National Convening — AI Ready ASEAN, along with representatives from the Ministry of Education, the ASEAN Foundation, the ASEAN Youth Organization, the ASEAN Association – Thailand, and Google.org. Approximately 150 participants from schools and universities across the country, government agencies, private sector, and relevant civil society organisations joined the activity.

The Director-General of ASEAN Affairs Department expressed appreciation to the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org for their support for the programme to advance AI literacy readiness among ASEAN citizens, especially in youths, students, and parents. The programme aligns with the Thai government policies in developing digital economy and AI development, and digital transition in ASEAN, following the newly-launched ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan. Ms. Chitralada Chanyaem, Director Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, also highlighted Thailand’s educational policies on the use of technology and AI in classrooms. She stated that AI Ready ASEAN was in line with Thailand’s theme of “Transforming Education in the Digital Era” as the Chair of ASEAN Education Sector for 2024 - 2025.

In addition, Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, reiterated the objectives of the AI Ready ASEAN which aims to equip 5.5 million people across ASEAN with AI proficiency. Mr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, President of ASEAN Association of Thailand, and Mr. Hezremi Hamid, representative from the ASEAN Secretariat, also stressed the role of ASEAN in raising digital skills and youth empowerment in the region.

Educators and students from schools and universities across Thailand joined trainers and panelists in a workshop on AI literacy, limitations, and the ethical use of AI.