It is an addition to the research and development budget, she said, aimed at achieving a 1.5 per cent growth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2027, from the current 1 per cent.

She said the Cabinet also approved the proposed policy and strategy for educational studies, research and innovation from 2020-2027.

Meanwhile, Narumon said the investment budget has been divided into four areas: 1) Bt11 billion on human resource and education, including developing workers’ skills to match the demand of the Eastern Economic Corridor and AI for all; 2) Bt5.55 billion to boost ageing and agriculture industries; 3) Bt9.25 billion to improve the country’s competitiveness and the country’s infrastructure; 4) Bt7.4 billion in innovation, poverty eradication and city development.