A contender uses ThaiLLM to address a problem in Bangkok at the recent BDI Hackathon 2026 event where participants apply big data and AI.
Thailand is advancing artificial intelligence (AI) sovereignty through domestic large language models (LLM) such as ThaiLLM, led by the Big Data Institute (BDI) and its partners.The initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology while ensuring AI systems reflect Thailand's language, culture and national priorities.
The project builds a system around high-quality Thai datasets, infrastructure such as the Lanta supercomputer and rigorous benchmarking standards.
"Thailand's sovereign AI strategy must focus practically on cultural and language data as well as model sovereignty," said Tiranee Achalakul, president of BDI.
There are risks to relying entirely on foreign AI infrastructure, she noted. For example, the US government has restricted the export of specific AI models, which resulted in sudden shutdowns for foreign users.
