Thailand Adapts to U.S. AI Chip Export Controls Amid Domestic Regulatory Advancements
Thai tech sector responds to impending U.S. export restrictions while progressing on national AI regulation
Thailand's technology industry is preparing for the impact of new tiered U.S. AI chip export restrictions set to take effect on May 15, 2025.
Under the AI Diffusion Rule introduced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, countries are categorized into three tiers based on their access to advanced AI chips.
Thailand is classified as a Tier 2 country, which imposes limitations on the import of restricted AI chips.
Siam AI Cloud, a leading Thai cloud AI service provider, has indicated that it may consider expanding its services to other countries if import restrictions tighten further.
The company has already placed orders for AI chips and expedited their import before the May 15 deadline.
Local IT distributors, including SiS Distribution and Ingram Micro (Thailand), are implementing strict compliance measures.
These include pre-auditing customer orders to prevent the potential use of Thailand as a proxy for re-exporting restricted AI chips to countries like China.
In parallel, Thailand is advancing its domestic AI regulatory framework.
The government has introduced draft legislation aimed at promoting responsible AI use while supporting the country's growing tech industry.
The draft regulation outlines principles such as transparency in AI decision-making, accountability for AI-driven systems, and robust data privacy protections.
The draft Royal Decree on Artificial Intelligence System Service Business, introduced by the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, emphasizes a risk-based approach to AI regulation.
It categorizes AI systems into prohibited, high-risk, and limited-risk categories, with corresponding regulatory requirements.
As the May 15 deadline approaches, Thai tech companies and regulators are working to adapt to the new U.S. export controls while advancing domestic AI policies to ensure continued growth and compliance in the evolving global AI landscape.
Under the AI Diffusion Rule introduced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, countries are categorized into three tiers based on their access to advanced AI chips.
Thailand is classified as a Tier 2 country, which imposes limitations on the import of restricted AI chips.
Siam AI Cloud, a leading Thai cloud AI service provider, has indicated that it may consider expanding its services to other countries if import restrictions tighten further.
The company has already placed orders for AI chips and expedited their import before the May 15 deadline.
Local IT distributors, including SiS Distribution and Ingram Micro (Thailand), are implementing strict compliance measures.
These include pre-auditing customer orders to prevent the potential use of Thailand as a proxy for re-exporting restricted AI chips to countries like China.
In parallel, Thailand is advancing its domestic AI regulatory framework.
The government has introduced draft legislation aimed at promoting responsible AI use while supporting the country's growing tech industry.
The draft regulation outlines principles such as transparency in AI decision-making, accountability for AI-driven systems, and robust data privacy protections.
The draft Royal Decree on Artificial Intelligence System Service Business, introduced by the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, emphasizes a risk-based approach to AI regulation.
It categorizes AI systems into prohibited, high-risk, and limited-risk categories, with corresponding regulatory requirements.
As the May 15 deadline approaches, Thai tech companies and regulators are working to adapt to the new U.S. export controls while advancing domestic AI policies to ensure continued growth and compliance in the evolving global AI landscape.
