Thailand has posted the world's second-fastest growth rate in artificial intelligence (AI) diffusion at 36.4%, though its average diffusion rate still remains low compared with the global average, says Microsoft.The diffusion rate refers to the percentage of a population, especially working-age adults, that actively uses generative AI products within a specific period.
"Thailand has the fastest pace in terms of AI adoption," said Dhanawat Suthumpun, managing director of Microsoft Thailand and emerging markets, at an annual global AI exhibition on Tuesday. The 2026 Microsoft AI Tour is being held in Thailand for the first time.
According to Microsoft's "Global AI Diffusion" report for the first quarter, which covers 147 countries, Thailand has an average diffusion rate of 12.4%, below the global average of 17.8%.
Singapore clocks in at 63.4%, while the United Arab Emirates tops the list at 70.1%, attributed to government initiatives. Regarding white collar workers, Thailand's adoption rate is 32%, double the global average of 16%.
Furthermore, Thailand demonstrates strong momentum from the top down, showing 51% leadership clarity regarding leadership alignment with AI, compared with the global average of 26%, according to the Microsoft Work Trend Index 2026.
