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Thailand’s commitment to inclusive digital transformation took a significant step forward with the visit to community digital centres by Mr Phuchpong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDEC), along with key figures Mr Somkiat Siriwattanachok, Mr Sombun Mekpaiboonwatana, and Ms Rattana Charoonsaksit.
During the visit to Wat Don Mamuang School in Thung Kha Subdistrict and Ban Khao Chan To School in Wisai Nuea Subdistrict, the officials engaged with school administrators, teachers, and students, not only to boost morale but also to gather insights on how to drive the community digital centre project forward effectively.
Their visit to community digital centres in Mueang District, Chumphon Province, underscored Thailand’s commitment to integrating digital technology into education and community development, with a focus on reducing digital inequality. These centres are crucial components of a broader initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide, ensuring that both students and community members have access to essential digital tools and resources necessary for their growth and participation in the digital age.
One of the key components of this initiative is the development of Digital Volunteers (DVs). These volunteers are being trained and empowered to serve as catalysts for digital literacy within their communities. DVs play a crucial role in helping individuals, particularly in rural or underserved areas, navigate digital technology’s complexities by providing hands-on assistance and guidance.
This effort is designed to reduce the gap in digital access and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status, can benefit from the opportunities that digital technology offers.
The community digital centres themselves serve as vital hubs for learning and innovation. Equipped with computers, high-speed internet, and various digital learning tools, these centres offer students and residents a space to explore new knowledge, develop digital skills, and enhance their overall quality of life.
In addition to serving educational purposes, these digital centres are pivotal in promoting social and economic development. For instance, they can be used to deliver digital literacy programmes tailored to the needs of different community groups, from young students to elderly citizens.
These programmes can cover many topics, including basic computer skills, internet safety, digital entrepreneurship, and more advanced subjects such as coding and data analysis. By fostering these skills, the community digital centres are helping to prepare Thailand’s population for the demands of the modern workforce and enabling them to participate more fully in the digital economy.
Moreover, the centres are instrumental in reducing digital inequality, which remains a significant challenge in many parts of Thailand. By bringing digital resources closer to the people, the NDEC aims to ensure everyone can benefit from the digital revolution, regardless of their background. This is particularly important in rural areas, where access to technology has historically been limited.
The visit also emphasised the importance of community involvement in the success of these digital centres. By engaging with local leaders and educators, the NDEC officials sought to understand the specific needs and challenges of the communities they serve. This collaborative approach ensures that the initiatives implemented are relevant and sustainable in the long term.
The efforts in Chumphon Province are a microcosm of Thailand’s broader strategy to become a digitally inclusive society. By investing in digital infrastructure, fostering digital literacy, and empowering communities through initiatives like community digital centres, Thailand is laying the groundwork for a future where all its citizens can thrive in an increasingly digital world. The ongoing development of these centres and the training of Digital Volunteers are key steps toward achieving this vision, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
