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Under its Thailand 4.0 vision, Thailand plans to leverage on its reputation and excellence in medical services and medical devices and strengthen its position as the regional medical hub. To promote medical robotics, Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has offered a wide range of investment promotion incentives.
Thai Public Sector support the field of medical robotics
The Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Education have jointly set up a committee with a key responsibility to promote medical and health related innovations. Many public organizations have been established to promote research and development as well as investment into human resources training. Apart from the Board of Investment, many public and private organizations have been working closely together to drive medical innovation.
Thailand is making good progress in the development and use of robotics in the field of medicine and promoting investment in robotics technology. Medical robots have been used and promoted in Thailand in many areas, including surgery, diagnosis, rehabilitation and services.
Innovations in Thai medical robotics
In surgery, robotics and innovations are gaining ground, especially in complicated surgery. Back in 2017, Ramathibodi Hospital, a leading government hospital in Bangkok and a reputable medical school, successfully performed the first robot-assisted brain surgery in Asia. Today, robot-assisted surgery has been adopted in many hospitals for different operations like spine, heart, eyes, intestinal, and gynaecologic surgery.
For rehabilitation and therapy, robots have played more important roles in assisting patients with lost limb movements and in therapy. SensibleTAB and SensibleSTEP, for example, was developed by a local company to help patients with arm and leg injury perform practiced movements aided by the robots. SensibleSTEP, a robot for rehabilitative gait training, is the winner of i-MEDBOT Innovation Contest held by Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS).
With local production, the cost of such robot development is relatively low compared to the imported ones. This means more opportunity for patients to have access to robotic therapy.
High demand for existing medical robots
In terms of services, medical service robots are increasing in demand. In addition to the well-known Dinsow, elderly care robot, and BUMBEE medical dispenser robot, medical robotics have been used in more areas. ROBODOCTOR, for example, is a remote presence system being used in a number of hospitals, allowing specialist doctors in hub hospitals to assist doctors in remote hospitals in diagnosing and treating patients with complicated conditions, such as stroke. The result is faster and more efficient diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing such an important role in research and development (R&D) and in assisting doctors in performing complicated surgery. With the investment and advances into medical robotics and the strong support from several government agencies, Thailand is looking towards leading the way in becoming the latest healthcare innovation hub.
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) spearheaded by Miss Apinphon Ankkakamonset, Deputy Director of the Digital Government Office, that aims to bolster the financial discipline of local government organisations through a transparency and accountability-focused programme, aligning with governmental policies and digital guidelines was signed between the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand, the Department of Local Administration.
It supports the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand in its unwavering commitment to innovation in auditing. Recognising the transformative potential of digital technologies, the DGA actively encourages local administrative organisations nationwide to register their agency’s email addresses to gain easy access to the programme. This initiative is designed to empower local administrative organisations to conduct preliminary self-assessments related to budget setting and disbursement, ultimately bolstering their digital government capabilities.
Mr Montien Charoenphon, Deputy Governor of the Auditor General of Thailand, highlighted the importance of supporting personnel of local government organisations in maintaining fiscal discipline. The Office of the Auditor General’s long-term national audit policy focuses on developing local government organisations to ensure transparent budget spending, which aligns with the national strategy on public administration development and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand.
The State Audit Office has developed a web application to strengthen fiscal discipline, which can be accessed conveniently from anywhere and on any device. This application allows local administrative organisations to conduct self-assessments related to budget setting and disbursement for various projects, promoting transparency and accountability in financial management.
Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior emphasised the importance of local government organisations in providing public services and solving problems at the regional level. The Department of Local Administration fully supports local government organisations using the financial and fiscal discipline strengthening programme to assess their operations and enhance standards in maintaining fiscal discipline.
The MoU signed between the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand, and the Department of Local Administration represents a collaborative effort to promote good governance and enhance the efficiency of local government organisations through digital technology. This initiative will improve financial discipline and strengthen the overall governance system, benefiting the country and its people.
Further, this partnership reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve public administration and service delivery. By encouraging local administrative organisations to register their email addresses for the programme, the DGA is facilitating the adoption of digital tools to streamline operations and enhance accountability.
The web application developed by the State Audit Office represents a significant step forward in state auditing. Its user-friendly interface and accessibility from any device make it a valuable resource for local administrative organisations seeking to improve their financial management practices. By providing a framework for self-assessment, the application empowers these organisations to identify areas for improvement and take proactive measures to enhance their fiscal discipline.
The emphasis on transparency and accountability in financial management is crucial for ensuring the effective use of public funds. By promoting these principles through the MOU and digital tools, the government is working to build trust with the public and demonstrate its commitment to responsible governance.
The Department of Local Administration’s support for the programme further underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies in achieving common goals. By working together, these agencies can leverage their expertise and resources to drive meaningful change and improve the quality of public services.
The signing of the MoU represents a positive development in Thailand’s efforts to enhance its digital government capabilities and promote good governance. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to benefit its citizens and improve public administration’s efficiency and effectiveness.
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Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), delivered a lecture titled “Digital Technology and Enhancing the Quality of Life for Thai Citizens” in March, focusing on Next Eco-System Tech & Sustainability. His discourse underscored the pivotal role of digital technology in transforming and elevating the quality of life for Thai citizens.
Digital technology has emerged as a critical driver in improving the quality of life for Thai citizens in various ways. In Thailand alone, the Thai government has implemented initiatives to promote digital transformation, such as Thailand 4.0, which aims to transform the country into a digital economy driven by innovation, technology, and creativity. The government has also published a 20-year Thailand Digital Economy and Society Development Plan (Digital Thailand Plan) to provide long-term policy goals with actionable and measurable targets.
At this lecturing occasion, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has championed the “The New Growth Engine of Thailand” policy, which comprises three core components: upgrading digital capabilities, enhancing digital security, and developing the digital workforce.
The Ministry recognises the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in bridging societal inequalities. Specifically, the development of Generative AI by leading global companies is poised to enhance work skills and livelihoods, fostering effective coexistence between humans and AI, often called Co-pilots. For instance, Co-pilots can assist in writing and summarising articles, analysing crucial information for decision-making, and creating desired images or videos.
Mr Prasert’s address emphasised the transformative potential of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, in addressing key societal challenges and fostering sustainable development. He elaborated on how these technologies can be leveraged to improve public services, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of Thai citizens.
In the same session, he further discussed the Next Eco-System Tech & Sustainability, a framework aimed at promoting the use of digital technology to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly society. This framework includes initiatives such as the National AI Service Platform and the Thai Large Language Model (Thai LLM), designed to enhance Thailand’s digital infrastructure and promote innovation in the digital economy.
Nevertheless, integrating AI with human endeavours necessitates the development of mechanisms to reduce societal inequalities and prevent AI from exacerbating existing disparities. Under the AI Agenda flagship in 2024, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has outlined a comprehensive plan to achieve this, including Establishing rules and standards to regulate AI usage.
Developing a central AI infrastructure accessible to the public sector. Educating the public on AI usage and nurturing AI talent. Encouraging and supporting AI adoption by the government, private industry, and citizens. Mr Prasert emphasised, “Enhancing the quality of life for Thai citizens through digital technology requires the development of a robust digital infrastructure, creating cybersecurity mechanisms, and promoting essential digital skills. With collaboration from all sectors, digital technology can uplift Thai citizens in every aspect of life.”
Moreover, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society recognises the importance of proactively addressing root causes and preventing cyber threats through reactive measures to enhance the cyber resilience of every Thai citizen. Efforts to eliminate online dangers both domestically and internationally are underway through regional and global cooperation.
Additionally, the Ministry aims to enhance Thai citizens’ awareness through a “Cyber Vaccine” programme, ensuring they are well informed about potential dangers and equipped with essential digital skills.
Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong also highlighted the role of the government in supporting digital technology initiatives and ensuring that they are accessible to all citizens. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving digital innovation and creating a sustainable future for Thailand.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s initiatives underscore Thailand’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to enhance citizens’ quality of life while prioritising cybersecurity and digital skill development to ensure inclusivity and progress for all.
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From 2023 to 2024, the smart government market is forecasted to maintain its upward trend, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.5% expected from 2023 to 2029. This growth is primarily fueled by the increasing integration of technology in governmental functions, including cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics, revolutionising governance and public service delivery.
By 2033, the market is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ 62.6 billion. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be a key driver of this growth, with the highest projected CAGR, driven by the strong adoption of cloud technology and infrastructure development initiatives.
The market is categorised based on types (solution and service), deployment modes (cloud and on-premises), and components (solution and services). The service segment is expected to dominate the market share, primarily due to the ongoing need for maintenance, support, and technological consultancy services.
Thailand is enhancing this efficiency and transparency in governance. Dr Phasakon Prathombutr, Deputy Director General of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) in Thailand, along with the digital platform and service promotion team, unveiled guidelines for elevating organisations to Smart Governance. The initiative focuses on implementing an electronic document system to streamline internal document management processes. This effort is part of a broader push to promote the adoption of digital technology across government agencies to enhance service delivery.
The electronic document system, named odoo+. It is an enhanced version of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, odoo ERP, which Depa previously used. Dr Passakorn highlighted the system’s effectiveness in tracking documents systematically, reducing paper use by at least 70%, and supporting 24-hour work with no limitations on location or time. The system is designed to align with current working behaviours, resulting in significant cost savings.
Odoo ERP offers a range of key benefits that can significantly enhance organisational efficiency and effectiveness:
- Integration of systems and services
- Automation of business processes
- Real-time business process monitoring
- Centralised management
- Flexibility in adding apps as your business expands
Recognising the importance of transitioning government agencies from traditional document systems to electronic ones, depa offers the odoo+ system at no cost. This system covers basic document management functions, including creating electronic forms that comply with government regulations. The system also facilitates drafting documents, saving messages, admission letters, and corporate export books.
The pilot implementation of the odoo+ system will commence in five local agencies, including the Satun Provincial Administrative Organisation, Songkhla Municipality, Municipality Muang Takhli, Aranyaprathet Municipality, and Chana Subdistrict Municipality. This initiative aims to demonstrate the system’s effectiveness and encourage other government agencies to adopt similar digital solutions.
Government agencies interested in implementing the odoo+ system or seeking additional information can inquire through Depa’s communication channels. This initiative reflects Thailand’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve governance and enhance service delivery for its citizens.
In the realm of smart governance, as highlighted in a previous OpenGov report, Thailand is swiftly advancing towards a paperless and digital landscape, particularly within education and government.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has taken significant strides by adopting electronic documents and digital signatures through the innovative Thai University Consortium’s (TUC) system, a product of Khon Kaen University. This progressive system enables MHESI departments and universities to seamlessly transition to electronic operations without incurring additional costs. This move is part of Thailand’s broader effort to reduce paper-based records.
Implementing the TUC system at Khon Kaen University has led to a 40% reduction in paper usage over four years. TUC acts as a Trusted Third Party, certifying sub-organisations that certify individuals. It uses the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework, which is compatible with all PDF Readers, ensuring certification and auditing capabilities, reducing forgery risks, and streamlining document management.
Thailand’s commitment to improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in governance and education is evident in its digital transformation initiatives, particularly in adopting smart government strategies and electronic documents with digital signatures. This marks a significant step towards modernising its administrative processes and embracing technological advancements to serve its citizens better and enhance overall governance practices.
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Dr Sylwia Kolenderska, a Senior Research Investigator in Physics at the University of Canterbury, spearheads a pioneering project to transform the ophthalmology landscape. Her innovative work harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise the accessibility and affordability of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a pivotal imaging technique in assessing eye health. This endeavour holds immense promise for advancing ophthalmic care and underscores AI’s profound impact in pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
OCT is often described as a light-based counterpart to ultrasound imaging and generates three-dimensional internal images of the eyes. These images are invaluable for ophthalmologists in diagnosing and monitoring various eye conditions. However, the high cost of traditional OCT equipment has limited its accessibility, particularly for researchers and clinicians in resource-constrained environments.
Dr Kolenderska’s research addresses this issue by leveraging AI to improve the data processing capabilities of OCT machines. She identified a key bottleneck in current expensive machines: the time-consuming process of calculating high-resolution images from raw signals. She aims to enhance the image quality of cheaper, lower-resolution OCT machines to match or surpass that of expensive models by developing a neural network algorithm akin to a sophisticated software update.
“The potential impact of this technology is enormous,” said Dr Kolenderska. “Not only will it make high-quality OCT imaging more affordable and accessible, but it could also lead to significant improvements in early detection and treatment of eye conditions.”
The application of AI in OCT data processing offers several advantages. AI algorithms identify complex patterns in data, enabling them to produce sharper and more detailed images than traditional algorithms. Dr Kolenderska estimates that the images generated by AI-enhanced OCT machines could be up to six times better than current images.
Moreover, the scalability of AI technology opens up possibilities for future hardware integration. Dr Kolenderska envisions a future where AI modules could be seamlessly attached to existing OCT machines, much like a USB stick, further democratising access to high-quality imaging capabilities.
In Asia Pacific, eye healthcare technology is making significant strides globally. According to a report by OpenGov Asia, in 2022, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) announced a partnership with the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) to develop at least two projects aimed at treating patients of different ages suffering from lazy eye and other eye conditions. CEVR, established under the Innovation and Technology Commission’s platform for research and innovation, InnoHK, is at the forefront of innovative research in eye health care.
Amblyopia, a common visual impairment that reduces vision and 3D perception, requires retraining the brain to use information from both eyes. This is particularly challenging in adults due to reduced neuroplasticity and the brain’s full maturation with age.
In 2023, Hong Kong continued its innovative efforts in eye health care. A partnership between CEVR and DEFTA Partners was announced to advance technology transfer and commercialise eye and vision health research. Celebrated at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), this partnership will leverage DEFTA’s business network and CEVR’s research achievements to translate research outcomes into globally impactful products. The collaboration is expected to drive innovation in the eye and vision health field, addressing critical issues in the industry.
Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work in eye health care represents a significant advancement in the intersection of AI and medical imaging.
In the future, Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work is poised to have an even greater impact on the field of ophthalmology in New Zealand and beyond. As AI continues to evolve in this rapid technology landscape, its integration with medical imaging technologies like OCT holds immense promise for improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes.
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Cybersecurity becomes a pivotal challenge to governments, organisations, and individuals in a world where digital technology permeates every area of life. ASEAN nations have been at the forefront of technological innovation in recent years. Still, the evolution of digital technology has inevitably increased the need for robust cybersecurity strategies in these countries.
A holistic approach is required, encompassing governance, risk management, a clear understanding of data ownership, active regional and international cooperation, and continuous infrastructure and institutional capabilities refinement.
In Thailand alone, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, a Minister of Digital Economy and Society, attended the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (4th ADGMIN) in Singapore in February 2024. As Vice Chairman, he led discussions on enhancing digital cooperation within ASEAN, particularly in managing online threats as one of the global transnational crime issues.
Under Mr Prasert’s leadership, Thailand has led in advancing ASEAN’s cooperation and operations to combat online fraud, aiming to establish concrete actions and strengthen cooperation networks among relevant agencies.
During the meeting, extensive bilateral discussions were conducted with ASEAN leaders and dialogue partner countries. A focus was placed on talks with Cambodia aimed at implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Cambodia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. This collaboration aimed to address the issues related to Call Centre gangs and Hybrid Scam activities while also emphasising the enforcement of laws to prevent and suppress such crimes.
As a result of these discussions, a joint working group between Thailand and Cambodia is set to be established. This working group will serve as a platform for ongoing discussions and cooperation in various areas, including the digital and green economy. The overarching goal is to create a framework that enhances opportunities and income for both countries, leveraging their strengths and resources to achieve sustainable growth and development.
Mr Prasert highlighted the seriousness of online crime as a national security and transnational issue, emphasising the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address it. He has initiated discussions at the policy level, both bilaterally with Cambodia and within the ASEAN framework. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and related working groups will travel to Cambodia in mid-March to follow up and proceed with detailed plans.
In continuation of these efforts, Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, will lead a Thai delegation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 18 March 2024. The delegation will engage in bilateral discussions with the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) to further operationalise the Memorandum of Understanding.
The discussions will focus on promoting information exchange and establishing a joint Thai-Cambodian working group dedicated to combating online fraud. This collaborative effort directly results from past successes in cracking down on Call Centre gangs and Hybrid Scam activities. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions to combat online fraud and related crimes.
Further, following these bilateral discussions, the Thai delegation will participate in Thailand’s 1st ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scam meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Digital Economy. This crucial milestone meeting will serve as a platform for all 10 ASEAN member countries to discuss and address online crime.
Thailand has played a vital role in advocating for multilateral cooperation within ASEAN to tackle this pressing issue, setting the stage for concrete actions to combat online crimes in the region. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is unwavering in its commitment to fostering collaboration and sharing expertise with a wide range of other nations.
“We anticipate continued partnerships with external alliances as we work together to achieve common goals,” Mr Prasert stated, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in navigating the complexities of the digital age. Mr Prasert recognises the value of cooperation and knowledge sharing in addressing cyber challenges and seizing opportunities in the digital realm.
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NSW Ambulance has launched a trial utilising advanced technology for the swift assessment and triage of stroke patients during transportation to hospitals. This initiative sees the introduction of the Medfield Diagnostics Strokefinder MD100 helmet, a state-of-the-art brain scanner, by NSW Ambulance paramedics in the Hunter region. This marks the inaugural deployment of Strokefinder helmet technology in frontline emergency response scenarios, extending beyond conventional hospital settings.
The trial, endorsed by the Minister for Regional Health, aims to expedite stroke diagnosis and treatment, potentially enhancing patient outcomes by ensuring timely interventions within the critical ‘golden hour’. The Minister underscored the importance of prompt assessment and treatment in stroke cases, emphasising the potential life-saving impact of early intervention.
The NSW Ambulance Commissioner highlighted the efficiency of the technology, noting its ability to conduct multiple brain measurements within a minute. The Commissioner noted the collaborative nature of the study, involving intensive care paramedics, neurologists from John Hunter Hospital, and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. The trial integrates the Strokefinder MD100 helmet with an innovative telehealth application, enabling paramedics to consult with neurology specialists in real-time to optimise patient care.
Leading the study is an Acute Stroke Services Neurologist at John Hunter Hospital who stressed the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis in stroke management, highlighting the need for seamless coordination between clinicians and researchers to refine frontline care protocols.
Preliminary data from the trial showcased promising efficiency, with nearly all patients undergoing scanning within an hour of the emergency call. The Minister for Medical Research hailed these findings as noteworthy, particularly considering the historically low rate of stroke patients receiving timely hospital CT scans in Australia.
A 27-year-old gym owner from Newcastle shared his experience benefiting from the trial after suffering an ischaemic stroke. His swift treatment within the ‘golden hour’, facilitated by the Strokefinder MD100 scan and telehealth app, played a crucial role in his remarkable recovery.
The Minister for the Hunter stressed the trial’s significance in addressing the heightened risk of stroke among regional Australians. In the Hunter New England Health District, where approximately 1500 residents experience strokes annually, such initiatives hold immense importance in improving healthcare outcomes.
The Member for Wallsend commended the involvement of John Hunter Hospital clinicians in the trial, highlighting the contribution of the region’s healthcare professionals to frontline research aimed at enhancing stroke care.
The collaborative effort between NSW Ambulance, Hunter New England Local Health District, Medfield Diagnostics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Titan Neuroscience Research Australia signifies a concerted commitment to advancing stroke care through technological innovation. Anticipation surrounds the forthcoming trial results, slated for release later this year, which hold the potential to reshape stroke management protocols and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
About a year ago, the NSW government announced that emergency department nurses in NSW were undergoing real-time stroke care training through a new virtual reality (VR) programme. The initiative was implemented in 27 hospitals across the state, aiming to enhance response times and treatment outcomes for stroke patients.
The VR training simulated real-life scenarios, particularly benefiting nurses in smaller hospitals with limited exposure to stroke cases. Notably, regional areas such as Tweed, Dubbo, and Wagga Wagga, along with major hospitals like Royal North Shore, participated in the programme.
The programme was designed to complement the NSW Telestroke Service, providing rapid stroke diagnoses and treatment consultations in rural settings. The TACTICS VR stroke training programme is a collaboration between the Agency for Clinical Innovation and the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Advanced Training Systems, aiming to improve patient care through innovative technology.
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The Data Innovation and Governance Institute (DIGI), under the Digital Government Development Agency (Public Organisation) or DGA, has organised the International Open Data Day 2024, a significant event aimed at promoting the use of data systems and highlighting the importance of open data in advancing towards sustainable open government. This forum emphasised the critical role that open data plays in driving technological advancements and digital transformations towards sustainable governance.
Open data serves as a powerful catalyst for positive technological change, offering insights into inequalities and disparities in income, wealth, and access to government services. It also helps measure the impact of development initiatives, establish benchmarks, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. By promoting data systems, the event aimed to underscore the transformative power of open data in advancing sustainable development through digital means.
Puchpong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDESC), previously highlighted the importance of the open data platform in improving the utilisation of government data accounts. The platform ensures that critical national development issues are adequately analysed and decided upon.
Based on the OpenGov report, Puchpong Nodthaisong emphasised, “data is a valuable asset in the country’s growth process, facilitating data analysis and decision-making in various disciplines, including scenario analysis for project planning, monitoring, and evaluation under the country’s economic and social thrust.”
At the forum, Dr Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, played a central role, presiding over the ceremony and delivering a keynote address that underscored the importance of information disclosure in the transition to a digital government. Dr Chunlaid emphasised the pivotal role of data in modern governance, stating that it is crucial for making informed policy decisions, enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation. He highlighted how data-driven approaches can lead to the development of more effective economic and social policies, ultimately fostering strong and sustainable growth.
Mrs Irada Lueangwilai, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Digital Government Development Agency reiterated the DGA’s commitment to driving digital government development in Thailand. The agency aims to enhance government efficiency through digital technology, develop online services for the public and various sectors, and facilitate information exchange between government agencies, all essential aspects of a digital government.
International Open Data Day has highlighted the importance of information disclosure. In Thailand, the event, hosted by the DGA under the theme “Data-Driven for Sustainability,” emphasised data’s role in sustainable development. The event included activities organised by the DGA, demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and open government.
DGA has been committed to spurring the development of open data in Thailand. It has been proven since 2015, when the DGA’s establishment of the open government data centre, data.go.th, marked a significant achievement in promoting open government policy and strengthening public participation. With over 11,000 datasets released by government agencies, government data has been transformed into a valuable public resource, driving innovations that benefit the nation.
DGA continues to provide information on using open data in the public sector through DIGI’s social media page, Data Innovation and Governance Institute, showcasing the government’s dedication to harnessing data’s power for sustainable development and open government through digital technologies.
The overarching goal of this gathering was to cultivate a culture of data-driven decision-making, equipping individuals with the capabilities to extract profound insights from data. These insights are pivotal in informing decision-making processes and conducting in-depth analyses across various domains.
Moreover, these forums catalyse robust collaborations within a data community, extending beyond national boundaries. They facilitate the exchange of information at an international level, thereby contributing to the harmonisation and integration of diverse datasets. This effort results in tangible use cases that benefit the public and contribute to the further expansion of the economy.
In the future, DGA will consistently collaborate with other stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and the private sector, to expand the reach and impact of open data initiatives. By building partnerships and sharing best practices, DGA seeks to create a more vibrant and sustainable open data ecosystem in Thailand.