Thai Higher Education in Transition: The Adaptation of Digital Universities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

            This article examines the transition of Thai higher education and the adaptation of digital universities in response to the transformative influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It explores the implications of this transition for the roles of higher education institutions in human capital development, knowledge production, and the promotion of lifelong learning. The study employed Critical Document Analysis in conjunction with Narrative Synthesis to examine academic literature, empirical studies, policy documents, and reports from relevant national and international organizations. This methodological approach facilitated a comprehensive synthesis of emerging trends, challenges, and future directions in Thai higher education within the digital era. The findings indicate that Thai higher education institutions have increasingly adapted by implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE), adopting Outcome-Based Education (OBE), developing Credit Bank systems, promoting lifelong learning, and integrating digital technologies and artificial intelligence into teaching and learning processes. These initiatives are intended to respond to the growing demands of the knowledge-based economy and the rapidly evolving labor market. Furthermore, data from the Higher Education Curriculum Online Information System (CHECO) demonstrate a continuous increase in the number of revised and accredited academic programs, particularly in the fields of digital technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, the synthesis of recent research suggests that the current transformation has primarily emphasized structural and technological changes, while comparatively less attention has been devoted to the transformation of pedagogical practices and the cultivation of essential competencies, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the humanistic dimensions of higher education. The study concludes that the future development of Thai higher education should pursue a balanced approach that integrates technological advancement with the fundamental mission of universities to cultivate human potential, advance knowledge, and contribute to sustainable social development. It further proposes that digital transformation should be supported by a learning ecosystem that integrates digital technologies with competency-based learning, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, thereby enabling Thai higher education institutions to respond effectively and sustainably to the challenges of the AI era.