ส.อ.ท. ชี้โจทย์ใหม่อุตสาหกรรมไทย “AI–กติกาสีเขียว” เปลี่ยนเกมธุรกิจ เร่งผนึกทุกภาคส่วนสร้างการเปลี่ยนผ่านที่ทั่วถึงFTI Identifies New Challenges for Thai Industry: “AI–Green Regulations” Transforming Business Dynamics, Accelerates Collaboration Across All Sectors for Inclusive Transition

FTI pointed out that the transition of the Thai industrial sector is now at a critical juncture that requires rapid adaptation due to the emergence of AI technology and increasingly stringent global environmental regulations. This will directly affect production, trade, and supply chains, particularly for SMEs, which face limitations in funding, technology, personnel, and information. FTI reiterated the importance of creating an ecosystem that enables all sectors to access opportunities from the transition equitably.

On September 2, 2026, Mr. Prida Watcharathiansakul, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), participated in the opening ceremony of the GCNT EXPO 2026 at TRUE Digital Park, which serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to propel Thailand towards sustainability amid rapid changes in the economy, technology, and global trade regulations.

During the event, Prof. Dr. Yothin Chanwong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, discussed the reform of Thailand towards a “Smart Economy” by leveraging science, technology, research, and innovation as the driving force, alongside balanced and sustainable development.

At the same time, Mr. Supachai Chiarawong, President of the Global Compact Network Thailand, reflected that the Thai business sector must prepare to cope with both the advancements of AI and the new green regulations, which are transforming the competitive landscape of businesses. The key challenge is enabling SMEs, which struggle with funding, technology, personnel, and information, to adapt promptly.

Additionally, Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, and Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Global Compact, shared perspectives on the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations to jointly address challenges and enhance progress in sustainable development.

This issue underscores that “sustainability” is not only about environmental concerns but is becoming a crucial condition for competitive capability. Hence, the industrial sector must elevate technology, production processes, resource utilization, and supply chain management to meet changing global regulations.

For FTI, this transition must proceed in a comprehensive manner, particularly by reducing the gap between large enterprises and SMEs through the integration of knowledge, technology, funding sources, and cooperative networks so that entrepreneurs can apply ESG concepts to create tangible business benefits.

This approach aligns with FTI's 5I strategy, especially I5: Inclusive Sustainability, which aims to ensure that large industries, SMEs, and communities all participate in the transition process and enhance their adaptability and opportunities for collective growth.

Participation in the GCNT EXPO 2026 thus reflects FTI's role in connecting the industrial sector with collaborations from all sectors to prepare Thai entrepreneurs to be ready for both “changes” and “new opportunities” in the era of AI and the green economy, propelling forward towards sustainable, inclusive, and competitive growth on the global stage.