NSDA Digital Economy Programs: Thailand 4.0 Workforce Development
Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) leads the country's digital transformation initiative, offering subsidies, training programmes, and Smart City projects that develop AI and digital skills. This guide covers depa's digital economy programmes, Thailand 4.0 workforce development, and how organisations can access funding for digital transformation.
- Thai citizens and residents (for Coding Thailand and depa online courses)
- Thai-registered SMEs (for depa mini and midi grants)
- Industry consortiums (for depa maxi grants)
- Any Thai-registered company (for 200% tax deduction on digital training)
- Companies in Smart City zones (for Smart City workforce programmes)
- AI startups (for Digital Startup Fund and AI Sandbox)
- Assess digital transformation needs using depa's online maturity tool
- Register for free Coding Thailand courses for foundational AI skills
- For grants: submit a digital transformation proposal through the depa online portal
- Register any employer-delivered training with DSD for the 200% tax deduction
- Implement training and digital transformation activities per approved plan
- Document outcomes and submit progress reports to depa
- Claim 200% tax deduction in annual corporate tax filing
Thailand 4.0 and the Digital Economy Vision
Thailand 4.0 is the government's 20-year economic transformation strategy, aiming to shift the country from a manufacturing-based economy to an innovation-driven one. At the heart of this strategy is digital economy development — building the infrastructure, workforce, and ecosystem needed for AI, data-driven decision-making, and digital business models.
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), established under the Digital Economy Promotion Agency Act B.E. 2560 (2017), is the primary agency responsible for implementing this digital transformation. depa's mandate includes:
- Promoting digital industry development
- Building digital workforce capabilities
- Supporting SME digital transformation
- Developing Smart City infrastructure
- Fostering AI and digital innovation ecosystems
depa's Core Digital Economy Programmes
1. Coding Thailand Initiative
Coding Thailand is depa's flagship digital literacy programme:
For Individuals:
- Free online courses in programming, data science, and AI fundamentals
- Partnership with global platforms (Coursera, edX, Microsoft Learn)
- Physical coding boot camps in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen
- Career placement support for programme graduates
For Organisations:
- Corporate coding and AI workshops
- Train-the-trainer programmes for internal capability building
- Custom curriculum development for industry-specific needs
- Integration with DSD registration for 200% tax deduction
Key Statistics (2025-2026):
- Over 500,000 learners enrolled on the Coding Thailand platform
- 15,000+ graduates from intensive boot camp programmes
- 85% employment rate for boot camp graduates within 6 months
- Training available in Thai and English
2. Digital Transformation Grants for SMEs
depa provides financial support for SME digital transformation:
depa Mini Grants:
- Up to THB 100,000 per company for digital transformation projects
- Can be used for training, software, consulting, and implementation
- Application through the depa website with a transformation proposal
- Approval within 4-6 weeks
- Must demonstrate measurable digital improvement objectives
depa Midi Grants:
- THB 100,001 to THB 1,000,000 for larger digital transformation projects
- Covers up to 50% of project costs
- Requires detailed business case and implementation plan
- Suitable for comprehensive AI implementation with training
- Application reviewed by depa committee
depa Maxi Grants:
- Over THB 1,000,000 for industry-wide digital transformation
- For consortiums, industry associations, or large-scale projects
- Covers ecosystem development, shared infrastructure, and workforce programmes
- Requires partnership between government, industry, and academia
3. Smart City Programmes
depa's Smart City initiative creates demand for digital workforce skills across Thailand:
Smart City Locations: Thailand has designated over 30 Smart City zones including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khon Kaen, and cities in the EEC. Each Smart City project requires:
- Smart governance (data analytics for public services)
- Smart economy (digital commerce and innovation)
- Smart living (IoT, health tech, and AI services)
- Smart environment (AI monitoring and sustainability)
- Smart mobility (intelligent transport and logistics)
Workforce Implications: Smart City development creates demand for:
- AI and data analytics professionals
- IoT and sensor technology specialists
- Digital platform developers
- Smart infrastructure managers
- Data privacy and cybersecurity experts
4. AI Innovation Ecosystem
depa supports the AI innovation ecosystem through several channels:
AI Sandbox:
- Regulatory sandbox for AI startups and projects
- Provides testing environment for AI applications
- Connects AI developers with industry partners
- Supports AI training and development
Digital Startup Fund:
- Investment in AI and digital startups
- Mentoring and training for founders
- Access to government contracts and partnerships
- Can fund AI training for startup teams
AI Centre of Excellence Partnerships:
- Collaboration with universities to establish AI research and training centres
- Joint programme development with international AI institutions
- Industry placement programmes for AI trainees
- Shared infrastructure for AI model development and training
Thailand's Digital Workforce Development Targets
Under the National AI Strategy (2022-2027), Thailand has set specific workforce targets:
| Category | 2027 Target | Current Progress |
|---|---|---|
| AI specialists | 20,000 | ~8,000 (est. 2025) |
| AI-literate workers | 700,000 | ~300,000 (est. 2025) |
| Digital economy GDP | 30% of total GDP | ~22% (2025) |
| SMEs with digital tools | 50% | ~35% (2025) |
These targets create sustained demand for AI training and significant government investment in workforce development programmes.
How to Access depa Programmes
For Individuals
- Coding Thailand Platform: Register at the Coding Thailand website for free online AI and programming courses.
- Boot Camp Application: Apply for intensive boot camp programmes through the depa events calendar.
- University Partnerships: Check government-subsidised AI courses at partner universities.
- Career Services: Access depa's digital career matching platform after completing programmes.
For SMEs
- Assess Digital Readiness: Use depa's online digital maturity assessment tool.
- Identify Training Needs: Map workforce skills gaps against digital transformation objectives.
- Apply for Grants: Submit a transformation proposal through the depa portal for mini (up to THB 100,000), midi, or maxi grants.
- Implement Training: Use grant funding for AI training, combined with free DSD courses and the 200% tax deduction.
- Report Outcomes: Document digital improvement metrics for depa reporting requirements.
For Large Enterprises
- Strategic Partnership: Engage depa's enterprise division for strategic digital transformation support.
- Ecosystem Development: Participate in industry consortiums for shared AI training infrastructure.
- Smart City Projects: Bid on Smart City development projects that include workforce training components.
- AI Sandbox: Use depa's regulatory sandbox for testing AI applications with trained staff.
Combining Digital Economy Programmes with NSDA Incentives
The most effective approach layers depa programmes with other government incentives:
- Free foundation: DSD centre courses for basic AI and digital skills (zero cost)
- depa grants: Apply for mini/midi grants for advanced training and tools (up to THB 1,000,000)
- 200% tax deduction: Register all training with DSD for double deduction (40% effective discount)
- BOI incentives: BOI-promoted companies claim additional training-related benefits
- EEC support: Companies in eastern provinces access EEC workforce development funds
This layered approach can fund comprehensive AI transformation programmes at minimal or zero net cost.
Pertama Partners Digital Economy Training
Pertama Partners works with Thai organisations to maximise digital economy programme benefits while building practical AI capabilities. We help you:
- Navigate depa grant applications and reporting requirements
- Design AI training programmes that qualify for both depa funding and the 200% tax deduction
- Align workforce development with Thailand 4.0 priorities
- Build AI capabilities that support Smart City and digital innovation projects
- Connect with the broader Thai AI ecosystem (universities, startups, government agencies)
Contact us to discuss how Thailand's digital economy programmes can fund your AI transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is a government agency under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. While DSD (Department of Skill Development) handles traditional workforce training, depa focuses specifically on digital economy development including AI, coding, and digital transformation. Both are part of Thailand's broader national skills development ecosystem. Programmes from both agencies can be combined for comprehensive AI training.
Visit the depa website and use the online grant application portal. For mini grants (up to THB 100,000), submit a digital transformation proposal describing your objectives, planned activities, and expected outcomes. Include a training component and budget breakdown. Approval typically takes 4-6 weeks. depa staff can assist with application preparation at regional offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other major cities.
Absolutely. depa programmes are designed for all industries, not just technology companies. Retail, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing companies all qualify for depa grants and training. In fact, depa particularly encourages digital transformation in traditional industries as part of Thailand 4.0. Some of the largest grant recipients are non-tech SMEs implementing AI for the first time.
Coding Thailand is depa's nationwide digital skills initiative offering free online courses and intensive boot camps in programming, data science, and AI. It partners with global platforms like Coursera and edX to provide world-class content. Over 500,000 learners have enrolled, and boot camp graduates have an 85% employment rate. Courses are available in Thai and English, and the platform is free for all Thai residents.
If your company operates in or serves any of Thailand's 30+ designated Smart City zones, yes. Smart City projects create demand for AI-skilled workers in areas like data analytics, IoT, digital platforms, and intelligent systems. Companies that train their workforce in AI can bid on Smart City contracts and partnerships, creating a direct business opportunity from workforce development investment.
- •Coding Thailand — Python, Data Science, AI (free online)
- •depa Boot Camps — Intensive AI and Coding (in-person)
- •depa AI for Business Leaders (3-day intensive)
- •depa Digital Transformation for SMEs
- •Smart City Development Skills
- •AI Innovation and Startup Skills
- •Digital Marketing with AI (depa)
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