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Introduction to Generative AI: A Beginner's Complete Guide

· 9 min read
Kobkrit Viriyayudhakorn
Kobkrit Viriyayudhakorn
CEO @ iApp Technology

Generative AI is revolutionizing how we work, create, and solve problems. From writing emails to generating images, this technology is now accessible to everyone. But what exactly is it, and how can you use it? This guide will explain everything you need to know in simple terms.

What is Generative AI?​

Generative AI (Gen AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content. Unlike traditional software that follows fixed rules, Generative AI learns from massive amounts of data and can produce original text, images, audio, video, and even code.

Think of it like this: Traditional AI is like a calculator that gives you exact answers. Generative AI is like a creative assistant that can write stories, paint pictures, or compose music based on what you ask for.

Simple Example​

When you type "Write me a poem about Bangkok" into ChatGPT, the AI doesn't copy an existing poem. Instead, it generates a completely new poem by understanding language patterns it learned during training.

5 Types of Generative AI​

5 Types of Generative AI

1. Text Generation​

AI that creates written content like articles, emails, code, and conversations.

  • Examples: ChatGPT, Claude, Chinda Thai LLM
  • Use cases: Writing assistance, chatbots, content creation

2. Image Generation​

AI that creates pictures, artwork, and visual designs from text descriptions.

  • Examples: DALL-E, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion
  • Use cases: Marketing visuals, concept art, design prototyping

3. Audio/Speech Generation​

AI that creates human-like speech or music from text.

  • Examples: iApp Text-to-Speech, ElevenLabs
  • Use cases: Voiceovers, audiobooks, accessibility tools

4. Video Generation​

AI that creates video content from text or images.

  • Examples: Runway ML, Synthesia, Sora
  • Use cases: Marketing videos, training content, social media

5. Code Generation​

AI that writes programming code based on natural language descriptions.

  • Examples: GitHub Copilot, DeepSeek-V3.2
  • Use cases: Software development, debugging, code explanation

Key AI Terms Explained (Jargon Buster)​

Understanding AI can feel overwhelming with all the technical terms. Here are the 5 most important ones explained simply:

1. LLM (Large Language Model)​

What it is: A type of AI trained on massive amounts of text to understand and generate human language.

Simple analogy: Imagine reading every book ever written and then being able to write in any style. That's what an LLM does with text.

Examples: GPT-4, Claude, Chinda, DeepSeek

2. Prompt​

What it is: The instruction or question you give to an AI system.

Simple analogy: It's like giving directions to a taxi driver. The clearer your directions, the better your destination.

Example: "Translate this Thai text to English: สวัสดีครับ" is a prompt.

3. Token​

What it is: A small piece of text (roughly a word or part of a word) that AI processes.

Simple analogy: Think of tokens like LEGO blocks. AI reads and writes by assembling these blocks.

Why it matters: AI services often charge by tokens. More tokens = more cost.

4. Fine-tuning​

What it is: Training an existing AI model with specialized data to make it better at specific tasks.

Simple analogy: It's like a chef who learned general cooking, then specialized in Thai cuisine by practicing Thai recipes.

Example: Chinda Thai LLM is fine-tuned specifically for Thai language.

5. Hallucination​

What it is: When AI generates information that sounds confident but is actually false or made up.

Simple analogy: It's like someone who gives you directions with confidence but has never been to that place.

How to handle: Always verify important facts from AI-generated content.

How Generative AI Works​

How Generative AI Works

The process is simpler than you might think:

Step 1: Input (Your Prompt)​

You provide input to the AI - this could be text, voice, or an image. For example: "Explain quantum computing in Thai."

Step 2: AI Processing​

The AI model (built with neural networks and deep learning) processes your input. It uses patterns learned from training data to understand what you want.

Step 3: Output (Generated Content)​

The AI generates new content based on your request - text, images, audio, or code.

The Magic Behind It: Neural Networks​

Neural networks are computing systems inspired by the human brain. They consist of:

  • Layers of nodes: Like neurons in your brain
  • Connections: Links between nodes with different strengths (weights)
  • Learning: The system adjusts weights based on training data

When you ask a question, the AI runs your input through millions of these connections to generate an appropriate response.

Why is Generative AI Important?​

1. Democratizes Creativity​

You don't need to be a professional writer, designer, or programmer to create quality content. AI makes these skills accessible to everyone.

2. Massive Time Savings​

Tasks that took hours can now be done in minutes:

  • Writing first drafts
  • Translating documents
  • Generating reports
  • Creating presentations

3. Enables Innovation​

Businesses can prototype ideas faster, researchers can analyze data more efficiently, and creators can explore new possibilities.

4. Breaks Language Barriers​

AI translation and multilingual models like iApp's Translation API enable global communication.

What Problems Does Generative AI Solve?​

ProblemAI SolutioniApp Product
Writing content is time-consumingAI generates drafts instantlyChinda Thai LLM
Language translation is expensiveAI translates 28 languagesTranslation API
Creating voiceovers needs studiosAI generates natural speechText-to-Speech
Document processing is manualAI extracts text automaticallyThai OCR APIs
Customer support is costlyAI chatbots handle queries 24/7DeepSeek-V3.2

How to Use Generative AI​

Getting Started in 3 Steps​

Step 1: Choose Your Tool

Step 2: Write a Clear Prompt Be specific about what you want:

  • Bad: "Write something about food"
  • Good: "Write a 200-word blog post about popular Thai street food for tourists visiting Bangkok"

Step 3: Iterate and Refine AI rarely gives perfect results on the first try. Ask follow-up questions or provide feedback to improve the output.

Tips for Better Results​

  1. Be specific: Include details about format, length, and style
  2. Provide context: Tell the AI who the audience is
  3. Use examples: Show the AI what you're looking for
  4. Break down complex tasks: Ask for one thing at a time

Generative AI in Thailand: Real Examples​

Business Applications​

1. Thai Customer Service Chatbots Companies use Thai LLMs like Chinda to build chatbots that understand Thai language nuances, including polite particles (ครับ/ค่ะ) and Thai-English code-switching.

2. Legal Document Analysis Thanoy Legal AI helps lawyers analyze Thai legal documents, contracts, and regulations quickly.

3. Thai ID Card and Document OCR iApp's OCR APIs automatically extract information from Thai ID cards, driver's licenses, and passports for e-KYC verification.

4. Thai Voice Applications iApp Text-to-Speech generates natural Thai speech for:

  • E-learning platforms
  • Navigation apps
  • Accessibility tools
  • IVR phone systems

Example: Building a Thai Chatbot​

Here's how easy it is to use Chinda Thai LLM:

import requests

response = requests.post(
    'https://api.iapp.co.th/v3/llm/chinda-thaillm-4b/chat/completions',
    headers={
        'apikey': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
        'Content-Type': 'application/json'
    },
    json={
        'model': 'chinda-qwen3-4b',
        'messages': [
            {'role': 'user', 'content': 'อธิบายเกี่ยวกับ AI ให้หน่อย'}
        ],
        'max_tokens': 4096
    }
)
print(response.json())

Best part: Chinda is FREE to use until December 31, 2025!

Try iApp's Generative AI Products​

iApp Technology offers a comprehensive suite of AI APIs designed for Thai language and Thai businesses:

Available Products​

ProductDescriptionPricing
Chinda Thai LLM 4BThai-optimized language modelFREE (until Dec 2025)
DeepSeek-V3.2Advanced reasoning modelFrom 0.01 IC/1K tokens
Thanoy Legal AIThai legal document analysisToken-based pricing
Text-to-SpeechNatural Thai voice synthesis1 IC / 400 characters
Translation API28 language translation1 IC / 400 characters
Thai OCRDocument text extractionPer-request pricing

Getting Started​

  1. Create an account: Visit iApp.co.th
  2. Get your API key: Go to API Key Management
  3. Try the demo: Each product has an interactive demo
  4. Start building: Use our comprehensive documentation

Why Choose iApp?​

  • Thai-First: Products optimized for Thai language
  • Enterprise-Ready: Used by 100+ Thai companies
  • Affordable: Competitive pricing with free trials
  • Local Support: Thai-speaking support team
  • Compliant: PDPA and GDPR compliant

Conclusion​

Generative AI is not just a trend - it's a fundamental shift in how we create and process information. Whether you're a business owner looking to automate tasks, a developer building intelligent applications, or simply curious about AI, now is the perfect time to start exploring.

The technology is more accessible than ever, especially with Thai-language options like Chinda and iApp's AI APIs. Start with simple experiments, learn from the results, and gradually integrate AI into your workflow.

Ready to get started? Sign up for free and try Chinda Thai LLM today!

Questions? Join our Discord Community or email us at support@iapp.co.th.

iApp Technology Co., Ltd. Thailand's Leading AI Technology Company