Bangkok: Jirayus Sapsrisopa, CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., has identified artificial intelligence, energy, and geopolitics as pivotal forces transforming the global economic landscape. He has urged Thailand to accelerate its investment in digital technology to attract new investment opportunities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayus shared his insights during a lecture at the 2026 Advanced Economic Journalists' Capacity Building Program, focusing on the topic "Where is the Global Economy Heading? Insights from World Leaders at the World Economic Forum." He highlighted that the world is undergoing significant changes across five dimensions: geopolitics, trade, the global economy, technology, and ASEAN's role, which will shape the economic direction in the next decade.
One notable shift is in global geopolitics, transitioning from adherence to international rules towards intense power competition, notably between the United States and China. This rivalry has spurred a new kind of warfare involving energy, technology, capital, and food security, affecting supply chains and global investment. For instance, restrictions on the export of advanced computing chips to China and limitations on US investment are examples of this expanding competition.
Thailand's strength lies in food security, which could become a strategic advantage amid prolonged conflicts. Meanwhile, medium-sized countries are forming alliances to boost their bargaining power against major powers, as exemplified by the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which seeks to unify ASEAN's digital economy into a single market.
The "Thucydides Trap," or the risk of conflict between established and emerging powers, remains a global concern. However, Mr. Jirayus noted that history does not guarantee conflict, despite past occurrences.
He further explained the transition from a manufacturing-driven to a digital economy, where AI, online services, e-commerce, and robotics are becoming key growth engines. AI services like ChatGPT exemplify a new digital trade model capable of generating cross-border revenue without physical offices or assets in a user's country.
"AI and robots will significantly boost economic productivity," Mr. Jirayus stated, highlighting their potential to work around the clock, addressing labor shortages and an aging society. This shift will increasingly position humans as consumers rather than producers. He also noted China's adjustment from a production- and export-driven economy to one driven by domestic consumption.
However, AI's rise is set to increase energy demands, as both AI and robots are heavily reliant on electricity. Thus, a country's economic size may increasingly depend on its energy production capacity to support continuous AI and robotic operations.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is evolving towards digital industries, prompting countries to develop modern infrastructure. This includes energy systems, data centers, computing chips, cloud computing, and AI platforms to support future industries.
"Many countries have begun investing in digital infrastructure to prepare for a new round of economic competition," Mr. Jirayus emphasized, cautioning Thailand against focusing solely on traditional economic models.
He concluded by stressing the importance of geopolitics, technology, the global economy, trade, and ASEAN's role as key pillars to guide global investment and economic growth. He underscored the urgency for Thailand to adapt and invest in digital infrastructure to seize opportunities in the emerging global economic wave.