Thai businesses expect AI investment and returns to accelerate
Artificial intelligence (AI) is entering a new phase in Thailand, with businesses moving beyond experimentation and increasingly integrating AI into everyday operations.
Thai businesses anticipate a surge in AI investments and returns as they transition from experimentation to full-scale utilization. According to the SAP Value of AI 2026 report, which surveyed 2,600 business leaders across 13 countries, including 200 from Thailand, AI already contributes to 24% of tasks in the average Thai business, with this figure projected to rise to 42% within two years.
Currently, the average Thai business invests US$18.3 million in AI, with this expenditure expected to increase by 44% in the next two years. Financial returns are also anticipated to grow, with the average Thai business currently projecting an 18% ROI, which is expected to rise to 35% within two years. Kulwipa Piyawattanametha, Managing Director of SAP Indochina, emphasized that Thai businesses are transitioning from AI experimentation to execution, and the momentum is being reflected in increasing returns.
The next opportunity lies in connecting AI with the data, processes, and governance necessary to enable businesses to scale AI responsibly and transform adoption into lasting value. Although 71% of Thai businesses are satisfied with their current AI ROI, 55% are uncertain that their AI implementation is realizing its full potential.
The next opportunity centers around agentic AI, which involves AI's evolution from generating information and recommendations to executing tasks and workflows. Expected financial returns from agentic AI for the average Thai business are projected to reach $8.5 million over the next two years, representing a 13% ROI. Scaling AI, however, is not merely about deploying more tools.
It is about connecting AI with the right data, processes, and people that will determine whether investment translates into sustainable business value. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into operations, decision-making, and customer engagement, businesses are planning to upskill or reskill existing employees for AI. While 57% of Thai businesses consider themselves data-ready for AI, readiness varies across organizations.
Additionally, governance remains crucial as businesses move towards advanced AI forms. Currently, only 13% of Thai businesses claim their skills are fully ready to govern AI effectively, and just 14% say the same for their processes and frameworks. The next stage of AI adoption for Thai businesses will require investments in technology and connections among data, processes, and people, as well as the right foundations for trusted AI.
SAP's Autonomous Enterprise strategy envisions a future where AI works alongside people across connected business processes, moving beyond standalone tools to create sustainable returns and operational agility.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
