Hirunyatrakul, Putthiphan; (2025) Intersection Thesis and Pathways for AI-Prosperity Alignment in the Global South: An Examination of AI for Good in Thailand. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis explores how AI for Good is conceived and pursued within the Global South, specifically in the context of Thailand. The research introduces a novel framework of three intersections where notions of the “South” and “Good” in AI converge: the traditional intersection, where AI is viewed as a tool for national competitiveness; the hybrid intersection, which adopts a human-centred approach to AI; and the transformative intersection, which reimagines AI as a means of emancipation from the status quo. Through an in-depth analysis of Thailand's AI landscape, governance mechanisms, and specific initiatives, the research reveals the tensions between economic imperatives and social good in AI development and deployment. The study proposes the concept of AI-Prosperity Alignment as a new evaluative framework to examine the potential of AI in promoting holistic well-being, justice, and resilience within ecological boundaries. Findings indicate that while Thailand exhibits elements of all three intersections, it faces significant challenges in achieving a transformative approach to AI due to limited multivocality and policy objectives primarily focused on enhancing economic growth and national competitiveness. This research contributes to bridging the gap between AI for the Global South and AI for Good discourses, offering insights into the contextual factors shaping AI trajectories in developing nations and advocating for more inclusive, emancipatory approaches to AI governance and implementation.

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