Central News Agency (CNA, Bangkok, July 3) The Thai government announced today that it will launch the "Thailand AI Readiness Index" (TARI) to help businesses and organizations assess their AI technology readiness, enhance corporate competitiveness, and serve as a reference for the government in formulating AI policies. The Bangkok Post reported today that Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) announced today that it will collaborate with the National Higher Education, Science Research and Innovation Policy Office (NXPO), AIS Academy, and IRIS Management Consulting to launch the "Thailand AI Readiness Index." According to the plan, this index is Thailand's first assessment tool established for the AI readiness of businesses and organizations. The results of the first survey are expected to be released in December of this year. Participating organizations are expected to receive AI capability reports starting in 2027, understanding their own AI capabilities and comparing them with industry peers and the national average. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yodchanan Wongsawat, stated that AI is no longer just a technology but an important force influencing the economy, industry, innovation, and labor force development. Whether Thai businesses and organizations can effectively adopt AI will be crucial for the nation's long-term competitiveness. He added that the index can also help Thailand grasp its AI development capabilities, compare them with regional and global levels, and identify shortcomings, which the government will use to formulate policies. Previously, in April, Yodchanan proposed a vision to address national challenges through research and innovation in the fields of AI and semiconductors. Yodchanan stated that Thailand is currently facing global challenges such as technological competition, climate change, and an aging society, requiring an improvement