In a significant move for Asia's burgeoning technology landscape, OpenAI has launched its groundbreaking text-to-video application, Sora, in Thailand, making it one of the first countries in the region to gain access to the powerful generative artificial intelligence tool. The rollout, which also includes Vietnam and Taiwan, provides local creators, filmmakers, and artists an early opportunity to explore the capabilities of one of the most anticipated AI models. The strategic decision to launch in Thailand underscores the nation's vibrant creative scene and its rapid adoption of AI technologies, positioning it as a key hub for digital innovation in Southeast Asia. The Sora app, powered by the advanced Sora 2 model, became available for free on iOS, initially without the need for an invite code, a departure from its more restricted initial release in the United States and Canada in September.[1][2][3]

The introduction of Sora to the Thai market is a calculated step by OpenAI, recognizing the country's growing influence in digital storytelling and its robust creative economy.[1] In 2023, Thailand's creative industries contributed 1.44 trillion baht to its GDP, representing 8.01% of the total, with a workforce of over 962,000 people.[4] This established ecosystem of artists, designers, and content creators provides fertile ground for a tool designed to push the boundaries of visual expression. Furthermore, Thailand has demonstrated a remarkable appetite for artificial intelligence. A recent report highlighted that 62% of Thai workers are already using generative AI in their personal and professional lives, placing the nation among the top globally for AI adoption.[5][6] This high level of digital literacy and enthusiasm for new technologies suggests a community ready and eager to integrate Sora into its creative workflows, potentially accelerating innovation across advertising, entertainment, and media. The Thai government and industry bodies have also actively promoted AI and the creative economy as national priorities, aiming to leverage technology as a form of soft power.[7]

The Sora application arrives with a suite of powerful features designed to democratize video creation. At its core, the app allows users to generate short, hyper-realistic video clips from simple text prompts. It also offers the ability to remix and reinterpret existing videos created by others, fostering a collaborative and interactive community.[1][2] A standout feature is "Cameos," which enables users to insert their own verified likeness into the AI-generated scenes, offering a playful and personalized way to interact with the technology.[1][8] Expanding on this, OpenAI also introduced "Character Cameos," allowing users to create reusable characters from pets, doodles, or imaginary figures.[1] Crucially, the app supports the Thai language, allowing creators to craft content that reflects local culture, humor, and nuances, a key factor in ensuring the tool's relevance and adoption.[1][3] While free users can generate videos up to 15 seconds, OpenAI has indicated that generous usage limits are in place to encourage exploration, though these may be adjusted based on demand to manage GPU resources.[1][3]

With the immense power of generative AI comes the critical responsibility of ensuring its ethical and safe use. OpenAI has emphasized that it is launching Sora in Thailand with a focus on safety, implementing several measures to mitigate potential misuse.[1] All videos generated through the app include both visible and invisible digital watermarks to clearly identify them as AI-created, a crucial step in combating the spread of deepfakes and misinformation.[1][3] The platform has also instituted safeguards for younger users, including daily limits on video generations and stricter controls on cameo permissions for teenagers.[1][3] This controlled rollout strategy aligns with OpenAI's broader approach of performing extensive testing and seeking feedback to understand the real-world implications of its technology. By expanding into new markets like Thailand, the company can gather diverse user perspectives, which will be vital in shaping the future development and governance of powerful AI tools, particularly as regulations around the world continue to evolve.[9]

The arrival of Sora in Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan marks a pivotal moment for the creative and technology sectors across Asia. It signals a strategic global expansion for OpenAI, moving beyond its initial North American launch to empower creators in diverse cultural contexts.[3] The tool has the potential to revolutionize workflows in industries that rely heavily on visual content, offering a cost-effective and rapid method for prototyping ideas, creating social media content, and producing advertisements.[9][10] For individual creators, it lowers the barrier to high-quality video production, enabling them to bring complex visions to life without the need for expensive equipment or extensive technical skills. As this technology becomes more accessible, it is set to fuel a new wave of digital storytelling, blending human creativity with the limitless potential of artificial intelligence and solidifying Southeast Asia's role as a significant player in the global digital economy.