April
29, 2016 – Thailand can and should reasonably expect to be the leading
digital nation in ASEAN by 2020, according to a whitepaper released
today by dtac (Total Access Communication PLC)
which sets out a projected vision and recommendations for realizing a world-class Digital Economy and Society in Thailand.
The report, ‘REALIZING DIGITAL THAILAND: An Internet not for the few, but for the many,’ was formally presented at the Asia Pacific Digital Societies Policy Forum 2016 in Bangkok on 27-28
April, hosted by the GSMA and MICT. In the document, dtac
outlines concrete propositions within six key government-defined
pillars for building a Digital Economy in Thailand by 2020, alongside
proof points in each area to illustrate a wide-ranging commitment.
“This
Digital Thailand whitepaper is part of our long-term commitment helping
realize the country’s digital future and encourage cooperation from
multiple
stakeholders, including policy-makers, the private sector and civil
society,”
said Lars Norling, Chief Executive Officer, Total Access Communication PLC (dtac).
“The Royal Thai Government’s vision for a Digital Economy will benefit
the nation, its people, the economy and regional competitiveness. We
therefore focused this report
on providing a tangible roadmap for accelerating the efforts that will
make it possibly to achieve nationwide digitalization by 2020.
The
report articulates Digital Economy’s ability to transform industries
and impact people’s lives in clear-cut, positive ways, underscoring its
importance as a driver of macro innovation and growth.
In line with initiatives set out by the Royal Government of Thailand
and reinforced by the Ministry of Information and Communication
Technology (MICT), dtac’s Digital Economy whitepaper further outlines the challenges and opportunities to develop a national
digitized economy and enhance Thai industrial competitiveness within the ASEAN Economic Community and beyond.
“This report presents dtac’s
concrete recommendations and support for achieving the process of
digitalization, formulated by our long partnership with Thailand and
experience in
other emerging digital economies. Achieving a Digital Economy and
Society must be a collaborative effort, and dtac
is committed to working with all stakeholders to see the construction
of a truly Digital Thailand that will benefit the entire population,”
concluded
Norling.
The Shared Vision for Digital Thailand
The
emergence of a Digital Thailand will have direct benefits in the areas
of GDP growth and broad-based socioeconomic prosperity and inclusion;
labor
productivity and employment and competitiveness within the ASEAN
Economic Community and beyond. In order to realize the ICT Ministry’s
draft 2016 Development Plan for Economy and Digital Society and become a
digital leader within the ASEAN
Economic Community, dtac is outlining recommendations and is committed to contributing under six primary pillars.
Pillar 1: Digital Infrastructure
Thailand
is lacking in both fixed and mobile digital infrastructure coverage and
mobile penetration compared to developed nations, particularly at the
4G level. To address this,
dtac recommends the development of a
spectrum roadmap for the allocation and auction of 700, 850, 1800, 2300,
2600 MHz bands to support affordable and universal fixed and mobile
broadband internet access. This will increase online access at all
levels
of Thai society, mirroring the government’s 2016 aim to bring broadband
to 30,000 villages through national basic digital infrastructure
upgrades. dtac also supports the government’s National Infrastructure Fund initiative to promote tower sharing in remote
areas and develop submarine connectivity infrastructure sharing.
Pillar 2: Digital Innovation Ecosystem
For
the Thai economy to attain and increase its full potential, digital
technology must be further incorporated within the Thai business
community—specifically within SMEs which account for more
than 99% of all businesses in Thailand. Within the report, dtac
endorses the promotion of the digital startup ecosystem through
multiple partnerships with all stakeholders. As an example, since 2013 dtac Accelerate has enabled multiple Thai tech
companies, including personal finance app Piggipo, insurance claim app Claim Di, and car diagnostic device outfit Drivebot.
Pillar 3: Digital Technology for an Equitable Society
In
2015, 48 million Thais remained unconnected to the internet and thus
unable to avail themselves to the socioeconomic and cultural benefits of
this technology.[1]
The parameters of a successful Digital Economy is that it must be
inclusive, aimed at alleviating urban-rural disparity and boosting rural
incomes, particularly among Thailand’s agricultural backbone. In line
with the company’s Internet For All strategy, dtac
recommends undertaking public/private partnerships to digitize health,
education, financial and agricultural services that promote greater
equity amongst Thais.
Pillar 4: eGovernment Services
Thailand
is currently placed behind developed nations in the online availability
of basic public services, with the majority of public records not
digitally available to citizens. The national
“superhighway network”– or Super GIN – is currently being established
to link existing government data systems.
To support this governmental work, dtac recommends
engaging the private sector to accelerate the provision of e-government services, as seen in the creation of dtac’s ‘Paysbuy’, a Mobile Financial Service.
Pillar 5: Human Capital
Thailand’s
Digital Economy could be hampered by gaps in the educational system and
workforce digital readiness. A further challenge will be strengthening
both digital literacy and English language
skills for Thais, beginning with building basic ICT skills for the
population. One way to initiate this is sourcing private sector
expertise and human capital to deliver up-to-date and relevant
instruction, such as dtac’s Net Arsa. To date, this has helped
connect more than 50,000 Thais through more than 60 volunteer internet coaches.
Pillar 6: Holistic Frameworks for a Digital Thailand
To
implement a Digital Society, Thailand requires holistic frameworks for
laws, regulations, and criteria governing the digital sector. dtac recommends
revising Thailand’s digital economy laws in a transparent manner
through public consultation that offers a level playing field for state
and private companies. As well as guaranteeing the independence of the
National Broadcasting and Telecommunications
Commission in ensuring allocation of spectrum through transparent and
competitive auctions.
