Naver to launch Thai-language AI models

Naver has announced its entry into Thailand’s AI market through a partnership with local tech firm Siam.AI Cloud.

They signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a Thai-language large language model (LLM) and a tourism-specific AI agent.

Naver Cloud will provide expertise in building and operating LLMs, while Siam.AI will supply Thai-language data and infrastructure.

The first outputs are expected by the end of 2025, with plans to expand into healthcare, public services, and academia.

The partnership aims to help Thailand achieve technological independence by enabling domestic development and operation of AI models.

It also aligns with Naver’s strategy to support sovereign AI initiatives tailored to national needs.

🔗 Source: The Korea Times

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Thailand’s strategic pivot to sovereign AI addresses growing digital sovereignty concerns

Thailand’s partnership with Naver fits into a broader regional trend where Southeast Asian nations are actively seeking technological independence from Western and Chinese AI dominance.

One-third of Asia’s governments plan to adopt sovereign cloud services by 2026, reflecting a significant shift toward local control of data and AI capabilities 1.

This push for digital sovereignty is driven by concerns over “digital colonialism,” as countries like Vietnam and Indonesia implement laws requiring data to remain within their borders 2.

The Thailand-Naver partnership represents a practical implementation of the sovereign AI concept that’s becoming a national priority across APAC countries, where investments in AI infrastructure are expected to reach $110 billion by 2026 1.

For Thailand specifically, this approach allows them to develop AI solutions tailored to their cultural context while maintaining control over sensitive data and critical digital infrastructure.

2️⃣ Thailand presents a rapidly expanding AI market opportunity across multiple sectors

Naver’s entry comes at a strategic moment when Thailand’s AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, with 77% of Thai businesses already implementing AI technology, particularly in customer communication and acquisition 3.