The Director of the Digital Economy Division Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, Ployrawee Krirkphankul, presided over the 2023 Thailand Digital Outlook Study Project opening ceremony in Bangkok. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the commission will evaluate the study project’s findings as consideration for digital economy policy formulation to improve national development effectiveness.
The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) analyses the overall policy development of the country’s digital economy and innovation. They will also assess Thailand’s problems and obstacles to policy implementation and driving digital Thailand. As an actionable policy and roadmap, the commission will recommend practical measures to guide and develop the digital economy and society.
Since 2019, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has been measuring the digital transformation indicator method through the Digital Outlook study project. The meeting was intended for all sectors, including the government, the private sector, and related industries. The study will discuss opinions, suggestions, or observations on Thailand’s draught survey of economic indicators.
The draft’s recommendations will help increase data storage efficiency and develop the scope of digital economic indicators. As a result, the Thai government can create a comprehensive digital economic indicator. Therefore, the Thailand Digital Outlook study project’s implementation is a response to the needs of all sectors.
Earlier, Puchaphong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission Office of the NESDB, stated that the overall operation throughout the year 2022 has driven significant projects. Therefore, to support the expansion of the digital economy, Thailand needs to prepare digital infrastructure and accessibility that cover all dimensions.
The effort will allow Thailand to seize new opportunities for economic growth and improve people’s and society’s quality of life in response to the changing context of the modern world. NSC has previously completed a few projects that promote and support digital infrastructure. For example, the 5G network is a mainstream digital and communication infrastructure supporting various activities. According to the NSC study, Thailand currently has a 5G signal that covers all 77 provinces and reaches the population.
“From 2021, production and digital services have increased Digital GDP growth from 12.97% to 14.07% compared to the previous year. The positive factors reflect new growth opportunities for the Thai economic system. The use of digital technology in economic activities can be adapted effectively in the digital age,” said Puchpong.
NSC plans to expand results and build on the foundation laid in 2023. The committee plan to increase utilise technology potential with the new dynamic increase for new technology opportunities. Cybersecurity and risk awareness are other milestones to achieve. Thai’s knowledge, skills, and potential must be increased in the general population in remote areas and among government personnel.
Moreover, the NSC has set a goal of completing eight significant projects by 2023. The project is in line with the world’s technological dynamics, economic situation, and society, as well as direction trends for future progress. The project will enter Thailand to Phase 3 digital development landscape: Full Digital Transformation in 2027. The programme will be followed by Phase 4: Global Digital Leadership, which will include human resource development and developing skills and knowledge related to the use of digital technology.
