According to a London-based data and analytics firm, 5G subscriptions will account for more than 55% of total mobile subscriptions by 2025 in Thailand, as 5G demand for high-speed data and low latency network gathers steam in the country.
The demand for digital solutions in sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, and tourism will drive the development of 5G in Thailand, combined with the new normal of the post-pandemic world, the report noted.
The Senior Analyst of Telecoms Market Data & Intelligence at another data analytics and consulting company stated that mobile operators are working to strengthen 5G network coverage and encouraging customers to adopt 5G services. They are targeting consumers with innovative 5G mobile plans and simultaneously trying to demonstrate 5G use cases for enterprises, he said.
Notably, AIS, the leading CSP in Thailand is offering virtual reality and cloud applications to drive 5G adoption in the consumer segment while commercial segment 5G plans include ‘AIS 5G Play AR’ for virtual reality content and ‘AIS Cloud Game’.
In addition, AIS signed an MoU with Bangkadi Industrial Park in October 2020 to develop 5G solutions to modernize factories at the park.
Additionally, The Prime Minister of Thailand is the chairman of 26 members ‘National 5G Committee’, which aims to ensure necessary support from the government in 5G development. The committee also consists of ministers from the education, tourism, and finance departments.
It was noted that 5G adoption in Thailand will be driven by growing popularity for 5G mobile applications, the decline in 5G handset prices, the need for enterprise digital transformation, and the Thailand government’s smart city initiatives.
Thailand focusing on 5G
OpenGov Asia recently reported that the Thailand Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and a Chinese multinational technology company announced the launch of the Thailand 5G Ecosystem Innovation Center (5G EIC) in Bangkok, the aim is to accelerate 5G innovation through ecosystem collaboration and boost the digital economy.
The centre will serve as a sandbox for the development of digital innovations for 5G applications and services across various industries in Thailand. These innovations will create new business opportunities for SMEs, start-ups, and educational institutions, enabling Thailand to become a digital hub of the ASEAN region.
The Minister of Digital Economy and Society noted that Thailand is taking a crucial step toward moving into a new socio-economic era. It is among the first countries in ASEAN to be on track to adopt 5G technology, which not only offers innovative services and seamless experiences but is also reshaping all industries toward digitalisation.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has developed an ‘Action Plan to Leverage 5G Technology’ as a guideline and mechanism to ensure that 5G can be most effectively utilized in all aspects.
Thailand’s 5G EIC is empowered by the Chinese tech giant via its global leading technologies, experiences, and know-how. The Minister noted that 5G EIC is a milestone that will inspire the adoption of 5G technology in Thailand. This crucial step will urge digital transformation in all industries, paving the way to achieve Thailand 4.0, creating new value and opportunities, while also enhancing Thailand’s potential as a leader in digital development in the region.
