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Thailand’s Security Market Embraces AI and Cloud, But Challenges Loom

Thailand’s security market is experiencing a surge, fueled by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. However, beneath the optimistic surface lie challenges that industry players must address. This article explores the innovative security technologies gaining traction in Thailand and the obstacles that security providers face.

Key Technologies

Thailand is rapidly adopting the latest advancements in security technology:

AI/video analytics: AI-powered analytics are transforming security in Thailand. Facial recognition, people counting, crowd control, and anomaly detection are becoming increasingly common. Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) is also widely used in buildings and shopping malls to improve management and enhance user experiences.

Cloud: Cloud-based security solutions are gaining popularity in the Thai market. A recent report confirms that Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) is becoming a preferred option for surveillance and security applications. The cloud’s scalability, cost-effectiveness, and flexible deployment options are attractive to users.

Platform-based unified systems: The integration of diverse security systems onto a single platform is a major trend. This approach allows end users to monitor and control all aspects of their security from a unified dashboard, enhancing efficiency and situational awareness.

“In Thailand, security is beginning to adopt more advanced technology, with the trend moving toward smarter systems, AI-enabled cameras, smart video management, cloud solutions and integration with mobile access, transforming traditional surveillance into more intelligent and connected solutions,” said Ekarin Watcharayingyong, MD of Keenfinity Thailand.

Sakchai Somsuk, CTO of T-Solutions, added, “Advanced technology is increasing used, for example PSIM platforms, face recognition, license plate recognition, smart traffic AI, car counting for law enforcement and smart AI security to prevent crimes and detect weapons, guns, fire and smoke.”

Challenges

Despite the promising outlook, the Thai security market faces several hurdles:

Price Competition

Intense price competition is a significant concern. Solutions providers often slash prices to attract or retain customers, which leads to lower profit margins and hinders sustainable growth. To overcome this, providers need to offer customized, integrated solutions that deliver greater value.

Watcharayingyong noted, “To gain a competitive edge, companies are focusing on delivering complete solutions rather than standalone products, integrating hardware, software, and managed services. They are also investing in open, multi-vendor platforms that provide customers with greater flexibility and effectively solve key pain points.”

Systems integrators play a vital role in providing these comprehensive solutions. Somsuk explained, “Normal box moving security may no longer be beneficial; system integrators are the key players, integrating a lot of systems like CCTV, access control and sensors. Customers need local suppliers to customize and localize to their needs, and systems integrators are the key.”

Lack of Skilled Professionals

The shortage of skilled professionals capable of designing, installing, and integrating diverse security systems is another major challenge. These experts are needed to ensure compatibility and cybersecurity across different brands and products.

Ken Arimura, MD of OPTEX Thailand, stated, “There is a shortage of personnel capable of products and integration of physical security other than CCTV. High employee turnover in general prevents long-term knowledge and best practices from taking root in the whole security industry.”

To address this, Thai security companies should offer competitive salaries and invest in continuous training and certification programs to retain their workforce.

Cybersecurity of Physical Systems

As physical security devices become increasingly networked, they are exposed to greater cybersecurity risks. Thailand is actively addressing these threats through regulations such as the dSure label, a certification scheme for IP cameras. This label ensures that cameras meet safety, functionality, and cybersecurity requirements, protecting devices and users from cyberattacks.

Technical Infrastructure

Unreliable power and network connectivity can disrupt security systems, causing interruptions, lags, and packet losses, especially when transmitting high-definition video. Thailand is addressing this issue by actively investing in infrastructure development, including expanding high-speed connectivity and improving the national power grid, which will benefit the security sector.