Artificial Intelligence and the Advancement of Thai Education in Crisis: Achieving SDG 4 Through Flexible online Learning Modalities

Abstract

Due to natural and environmental disaster situations make Thai higher education institutions implement preventive measures by online teaching and learning. And now field of AI in Education is growing and changing rapidly and reshaping instructional practices. Therefore, this research article aims to study in  2 topics: 1) to study the application of AI in education management and 2) to propose guidelines for developing a flexible AI-enhanced online education systems to accommodate natural and environmental disaster situations. Using qualitative methods, documentary research which select 27 empirical studies for analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews. There are seven key informants which was selected by purposive sampling including administrator, artificial intelligence technology expert, instructor and students. Data was analyzed by using content analysis. This study shows that AI in education from this research  can  be categorized  in 4 types as follows:  creating  learning  content, serving  as teacher  assistants, providing  personalized learning (tutoring)  and  supporting assessment  in online  learning. The  result  for guideline are divided into four categories: i) policy preparation ii) personnel preparation  iii) data preparation and   iv) technology preparation.  In summary, the study highlights the importance of AI as a catalyst for resilience and flexibility in higher education during crises. By integrating AI, Thai higher education can ensure learning continuity, enhance instructional effectiveness, and support the achievement of SDG 4 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education with lifelong learning opportunities for all. Recommendations for Policy Formulation 1)Establish a national AI-education framework with mandatory AI literacy and data ethics. 2)Ensure privacy protection under PDPA and prioritize rural infrastructure development. 3)Require AI-supported online learning systems as disaster-response backups. 4)Create inter-institutional agreements and standardized emergency protocols.