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Since 2016, Thailand has been managing the strategy for a future-proof economy, including a 20-year Thailand Digital Economy and Society Development Plan (Digital Thailand Plan), which aims to achieve complete digital transformation by 2027 as one of the global leaders in the digital economy. Previously, the plan had three phases: Phase 1 focuses on digital foundations, Phase 2 prioritises digital inclusion, and Phase 3 aims to achieve full digital transformation by 2027.
In line with these efforts, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, led the Thailand delegation at the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministerial Meeting (ADGMIN) in the Republic of Singapore.
The delegation included Special Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Ministry of Digital Economy and Society Secretary. Digital ministers from 10 other ASEAN member countries attended the meeting. They focused on “Building an Inclusive and Trusted Digital Ecosystem.”
During the meeting, Mr Prasert highlighted Thailand’s commitment to advancing towards a digital economy and ensuring a safe digital society. He outlined the “The Growth Engine of Thailand” policy, which aims to bolster Thailand’s competitive potential in three key areas of development:
Digital Infrastructure: This involves improving the quality and accessibility of digital infrastructure across Thailand, ensuring that both urban and rural areas have reliable and high-speed connectivity.
Digital Innovation: The policy promotes digital innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering an environment where startups and businesses can thrive and contribute to Thailand’s digital transformation.
Digital Manpower: Recognising the importance of a skilled workforce, the policy focuses on enhancing digital literacy and skills development to empower the Thai workforce to excel in the digital era.
Mr Prasert and Thailand’s active involvement in the ADGMIN reflect the country’s strong commitment to regional cooperation and collaboration in advancing digital initiatives within ASEAN.
Digital Infrastructure Development: Thailand prioritises developing digital infrastructure to facilitate the transition to a digital government. Efforts are underway to enhance government digital services and promote the use of cloud technology in the government sector, which offers higher security standards than existing systems.
Digital Safety and Security: Thailand is accelerating the development of tools to address cyber threats and online crime. The country also focuses on educating the public to prevent potential dangers associated with digital technologies.
Digital Skills Development: Thailand invests in developing digital skills and capabilities for its citizens through the “Digital for All” concept. This initiative aims to ensure that all citizens have access to the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.
During his session, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong also underscored the critical importance of cooperation in regulating and ensuring the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). Given the rapid global advancement of AI technology, Thailand has proactively implemented the Thailand AI Ethics Guideline. This guideline is a framework to guarantee the safe and efficient utilisation of AI technologies within the country, prioritising ethical considerations and human rights protection.
Moreover, Mr Prasert emphasised the severity of managing online threats, which pose challenges to national security and contribute to transnational crime. In response, Thailand proposed the establishment of the ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scam (WG-AS).
This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among ASEAN member states in preventing and addressing issues related to online fraud. Additionally, Thailand has taken concrete steps by establishing the AOC 1441 Centre. This centre is dedicated to addressing online crime problems and mitigating their impact on individuals and communities, reflecting Thailand’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure digital environment.
Mr Prasert emphasised the need for ASEAN countries to collaborate closely to address these challenges and protect individuals in the ASEAN region. He highlighted the importance of integrating efforts to address online crime and mitigate its impact on people in the area.
