The Voice of America (VOA) team in Thailand expressed profound concerns following President Donald Trump’s budget cuts that halted the operation of their broadcasts. In an open letter, published on March 22, 2025, the team articulated their shock and grief at the decision that led to the suspension of multiple sections, including Thai, with approximately 1,300 employees affected. The letter stated, "We are shocked and very sad about what happened. The Thai section is one of the first sections of VOA established 83 years ago." This situation underscores significant worries about the diminishing landscape of media freedom not just in Thailand, but globally.
The VOA Thailand team, whose history spans back decades, emphasized their ongoing commitment to providing accurate information amidst challenges, particularly political ones that often result in censorship. They expressed that while they face obstacles, their mission to inform remains steadfast, reflecting a critical need for media integrity in democracy.
In sharp contrast to the uncertain future of journalism in Thailand, the country is witnessing advancements in technology with the recent launch of Pathumma LLM—an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) developed specifically with the Thai context in mind. Announced during the NSTDA x Press Interviews on the very same day as the VOA letter, this AI embodies an important stride toward utilizing technology to suit local nuances effectively.
According to Dr. Sarawut Kongyut, a leading researcher at NECTEC, Pathumma LLM showcases three major capabilities: Text LLM for processing the Thai language, Vision LLM for understanding images, and Audio LLM for voice recognition. He articulated that this technology is a key element for Thailand in driving AI innovation, saying, "Pathumma LLM is a key element for Thailand in driving AI technology." This is particularly integral in a country where cultural and linguistic subtleties often get lost in translation with generic AI systems.
This development arrives at a crucial time as Thailand's media landscape faces increasing pressures. The nation recently fell in the Freedom House rankings, pointing to a marked decline in media freedom. The VOA team's struggle amidst budget cuts only highlights larger threats to journalistic integrity and the dissemination of factual information in a democratic society.
The government has already begun utilizing Pathumma LLM in various sectors. For instance, important legislative sessions like summaries of parliamentary meetings and drafts of laws are now being processed through this advanced AI, ensuring better public access to information. This implies a step towards modernization of public services, providing citizens with timely and relevant data.
Furthermore, the upcoming National Science and Technology Development Agency Conference (NAC2025) is set to take place from March 26 to March 28, 2025. This event holds particular significance as it will feature a seminar focused on Thai LLM and the challenges of building better digital infrastructure. Planned for March 28, the seminar aims to discuss how innovations like Pathumma LLM can enhance data processing capabilities across different sectors in Thailand.
In addition to improving services provided to government and private sectors, future developments for Pathumma LLM include evolving it into Agentic AI—an intelligent AI that can think, analyze, and make autonomous decisions. Its creators envision a future where Pathumma LLM becomes an essential digital assistant, streamlining operations for companies while also reinforcing the accessibility of AI technology within the country.
The climax of these discussions, along with the awareness raised through the VOA Thailand’s open letter highlighting the risks of media cutbacks, shows that even in an era where challenges loom, technological advancements can ignite hope for a more informed society. As Dr. Sarawut emphasized, Pathumma LLM is not just a technology; it is a tool designed to empower various sectors, including government, industries, and the public, acknowledging the importance of safety and equal access to AI innovations.
This synergy between a need for freedom in media and the dedication to propelling forward AI development represents a dual narrative in Thailand. The ongoing developments foster a belief that a thriving critique of public affairs and the rise of advanced technologies can coexist and flourish. As the nation continues to navigate these turbulent waters, it is the resilience of both the media and technology sectors that will play a vital role in shaping Thailand’s future.
