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In light of evaluating the one-year progress, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE) in Thailand, highlighted several achievements in implementing digital technology. Until December 2023, Thailand has successfully executed numerous operations, delivering nine outcomes and enhancing digitally throughout the nation. The primary areas of focus and their corresponding results are outlined below:
Anti-Online Crime Centre AOC 1441
Establishing the Anti-Online Crime Centre AOC 1441 in November 2023 marked a crucial milestone. Functioning as a One-Stop Service, this centre operates 24/7, utilising cutting-edge technology such as Intelligent Assistant (IA) and an Intelligence-based platform.
The platform employs Big Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to integrate and analyse financial information, telephone usage data, and suspicious transaction data. The critical performance results for November 2023 include contact with 79,997 individuals, freezing 7,996 bank accounts, and making 389 arrests.
The goals of AOC 1441 include the immediate suspension or freezing of criminals’ accounts, prompt problem-solving for victims, accelerated money return to victims and enhanced efficiency in arrests and prosecution.
The centre employs digital technology to facilitate data integration and collaboration with relevant departments.
Blocking Illegal Websites
The DE has revamped its approach to managing illegal websites, focusing on measures and collaborating with social media platforms. Between October 1 and December 10, 2023, the initiative led to blocking 2,567 illegal websites or pages, a tenfold increase from last year. Additionally, 4,592 online gambling websites were blocked, marking a 17.5-fold increase.
Managing the Data Trading and Information Leaks
In addressing data trading and information leaks, the Ministry has expedited six measures to address the leakage of public information and trading of such data. The measures include:
- Establishing a Personal Data Violation Monitoring Centre.
- Investigating system vulnerabilities.
- Cooperating with relevant agencies.
- Blocking illegal trading of personal information.
- Promoting the use of reliable government cloud systems.
- Improving relevant laws.
These measures aim to swiftly tackle the issues within specified timeframes, ranging from 30 days to 12 months.
Combating Horse Sims
The Ministry, in collaboration with related agencies, is addressing the issue of Horse SIMs (Subscriber Identity Modules). Six measures have been introduced, including identity verification for users holding more than five SIMs, investigation of abnormal phone usage, suspension of numbers, and regulation of mobile service providers operating outside the country.
Developing Investment and Human Resources through AI
The DE has attracted investment and development in AI and Cloud technologies through collaborations with several tech companies. These collaborations will generate economic value exceeding 300,000 million baht in the next five years, focusing on skill development in AI and Cloud technologies.
Drone Jai Community
In agriculture, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society launched the One Tambon One Digital (OTOD) project, the “Drone Jai Community” initiative, which aims to apply drones for agriculture in 500 communities by October 2024. The industry has garnered interest from 300 communities, with 63 repair centres established and five drone flight license examination centres in progress.
Global Digital Talent
Further, through the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), DE is introducing the Global Digital Talent Visa (GDT Visa) to address the shortage of digital workforce. The visa aims to attract two types of individuals: Digital Talent (graduates or digital studies professionals) and Digital Nomads (those primarily working with technology). The visa allows a one-year stay, with spouses and children eligible for dependent visas.
Support Start-Ups and SMEs
Moreover, DEPA has initiated the Digital Service Account, a mechanism to upgrade the digital industry by showcasing digital products and services from qualified Thai entrepreneurs. Additionally, tax measures have been introduced to promote small and medium-sized business entrepreneurs, encouraging the transformation of businesses into the digital economy.
As a result of these initiatives, the DE has driven Thailand’s digital competitiveness, resulting in an improved ranking in the 2023 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. Thailand climbed from 40th place in 2022 to 35th place in 2023, with Minister Prasert aiming for a top-30 ranking globally by 2026. It outlines initiatives that showcase a comprehensive approach to leveraging digital innovation to benefit the nation’s economy and society.
