Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) has received technical assistance from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to enhance the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure along with the development of smart city initiatives in Phuket.
“Working closely with DEPA, Phuket has been proactive in adopting purposeful technological solutions to improve the well-being and economic viability of its citizens and visitors. Thanks to the strong support of both USTDA and the Phuket Provincial Government, we are confident that this technical assistance will lead to a long-term citizen-centric digital transformation and strengthen ties among all parties involved,” says Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, DEPA President and Chief Executive Officer.
The USTDA is happy to cooperate with DEPA and the Phuket Provincial Government to achieve their goals as Thailand has an ambitious smart cities agenda, according to Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA Director.
He added that by assisting Phuket in the deployment of these innovative and cutting-edge solutions, they will have a good influence on the lives of Thais and the millions of international tourists that visit each year. Their work will also assist to generate chances for U.S. companies to provide the types of technologies and services that Phuket needs.
Moreover, the USTDA assistance, according to the US Embassy in Thailand, will help develop technical requirements and a detailed strategy for the development of the Phuket Smart City Data Platform – a tool that leverages data and technological innovations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of city management and citizen services.
The aid will facilitate the modernisation of Phuket’s integrated operations centre and essential ICT infrastructure, including traffic control and emergency communications systems, fibre-optic networks, data servers, cloud migration, cybersecurity, and 5G development.
Gwendolyn J. Cardno, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Bangkok, on the other hand, stated that the project is a great example of how the Thai-U.S. partnership can stimulate a vibrant digital economy and provide direct benefits for Thais while supporting the nation’s efforts to build a greener, smarter, and higher-value tourism sector. She added that with the U.S. as a partner, Thailand will be able to benefit from decades of American invention and thrive in this era of the digital revolution.
Furthermore, Thailand has proclaimed the success of its hosting of the APEC Women and the Economy Forum (WEF) and has vowed to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality alongside other APEC member nations.
Anucha Burapachaisri, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson, recently revealed Thailand’s accomplishments in hosting the APEC Women and the Economy Forum (WEF).
Thailand and other APEC nations agreed during the summit to encourage networking for inclusive female empowerment, underlining that a friendly and accommodating environment for women to thrive is critical to promoting equitable and sustainable economic growth in the region.
The meeting also emphasised the importance of preventing and eliminating all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls, as well as empowering and advancing women and gender equality in the Asia Pacific region by 2040, to achieve an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community for the prosperity of all people and future generations.
As host of APEC 2022, Thailand envisions a robust and sustainable economy and society by implementing the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, according to a government spokesperson.
This strategy combines and synergizes three economic methods that leverage technology and innovation to create value, reduce waste, and encourage sustainable enterprises.
Thai authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering female empowerment in all areas to achieve balanced and inclusive digital and socioeconomic as well as environmental progress.
