The British Embassy Bangkok hosted the UK–Thailand AI Conference on March 10 at Capella Bangkok, bringing together leading technology companies and venture capital firms to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and digital innovation. The one-day event was held as part of ongoing celebrations marking 170 years of UK–Thai diplomatic relations.
The embassy said the conference highlighted the depth of the bilateral partnership, with UK–Thailand trade reaching £7.7 billion last year.
It added that the UK is now the largest foreign investor on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), holding 1.53 trillion baht in assets, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Thailand’s growing innovation economy and building long-term partnerships in AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and engineering biology.
Matt Western, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Thailand, said the relationship is increasingly focused on areas where both countries’ strengths align.
“The UK is committed to building strong, future-focused partnerships with Thailand, particularly in areas where our strengths align — artificial intelligence, advanced engineering, health innovation and next-generation manufacturing. Today’s conference demonstrates just how much opportunity exists when our businesses and investors work together.
“The UK offers world-leading research, talent and a dynamic tech ecosystem, and I am delighted to see growing interest from Thai companies looking to collaborate, innovate and expand into the UK.”
Mark Gooding, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Thailand, said technology and innovation are now central to UK–Thailand cooperation.
“As we mark 170 years of UK–Thailand relations, our partnership continues to evolve in ways that reflect the needs of our time. Technology and innovation now sit at the heart of that relationship, and today’s conference is a powerful example of what happens when we connect the right people, ideas, and capabilities.
“The UK and Thailand share a belief that AI and emerging technologies must improve people’s lives, and by working together, we can turn global challenges into shared opportunities.”
The conference featured speakers from UK and Thai technology and investment organisations, including:
- School.how, chief operating officer, Daniel Appleby
- Amity Solutions AI Research and Application Center, chairman and executive director, Touchapon Kraisingkorn
- SeaX Ventures, founder and managing partner, Dr Kid Parchariyanon
- Techsauce chief executive officer, Mimee Lerdsuwankij
They were joined by senior investment leaders from Beacon Ventures, Xplor Ventures, Disrupt Health Impact Fund, and SCB10X, which the embassy said reflected the strength of the UK–Thailand innovation corridor.
In closing remarks, Western encouraged Thai corporates and investors to join London Tech Week in June 2026, describing it as an opportunity to engage with global technology leaders, founders and innovators. He said the UK would continue to support Thai companies seeking partnerships, investment opportunities and access to UK research institutions and technology clusters.
The embassy said digital and technology is one of eight priority sectors under the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, reflecting a long-term focus on science, innovation and high-growth industries. It cited the UK’s tech ecosystem as Europe’s most valuable, valued at more than £1 trillion, and the third largest globally behind the United States and China.
The embassy also cited the UK having more than 185 unicorn companies, ranking first in Europe and third globally for high-growth technology firms. It said the UK continues to lead Europe in venture capital investment, raising more than France and Germany combined in 2024.
On research and innovation, the embassy said the UK has £22.6 billion committed to R&D and is ranked first in Europe and fourth globally in the 2024 Global AI Index, with an AI sector valued at more than £230 billion. It said these strengths position the UK as a partner for Thailand in digital transformation, advanced technologies and future-focused innovation.
The embassy said the conference underlined shared ambitions to adopt advanced technologies responsibly and develop AI ecosystems that support economic growth, competitiveness and innovation. It added that the British Embassy in Bangkok will continue working with Thai partners to facilitate collaboration, support market entry and build long-term links between the two countries’ technology sectors.
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