The Digital Economy and Society (DE) minister has called on the private sector to work more closely with the ministry to help Thailand become a digital infrastructure gateway in Asean by 2020.
The evolution of the country's digital ecosystem, especially in many crucial development areas, needs strong support from the private sector and other key telecom associations, said DE Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj.
The development of hard and soft digital infrastructure includes digital skills, satellites and spectrum frequency management, construction of international internet gateways and submarine cables, effective data security protection and security measures.
The DE Minister made the call yesterday after meeting Suphachai Chearavanont, chief executive of True Corporation and president of the Telecommunications Association of Thailand (TCT).
Mr Pichet also urged the boss of True Corp and other private companies to join forces with the DE Ministry to move Thailand towards the goal of becoming a digital infrastructure gateway in Asean by 2020.
"We're open for discussion and participation with private companies to drive the government's digital-driven policies," he said.
Mr Pichet also said 2017 is the year the DE Ministry will implement the first batch of its digital infrastructure projects -- the development of the national broadband network together with an all-in-one e-commerce platform and a fully-integrated electronic health record system.
Mr Suphachai said he and TCT directors will soon meet with Mr Pichet to submit the association's proposals for the development of the country's digital infrastructure.
The proposals will be the same as those the TCT submitted last year to former ICT minister Uttama Savanayana, who now serves as the industry minister.
"Thailand has reached a critical turning point in its digitally driven evolution," said Mr Suphachai.
Given the country's geographical advantages and strong growth in internet and social media usage, Thailand has high potential to be a digital gateway in Asean, he said.
Mr Suphachai said providing attractive tax incentives to companies dedicated to setting up their digital infrastructure here, and ensuring adequate security measures are primary factors in attracting global technology firms to invest in the kingdom.
Tax incentives should be offered on par with rates in Singapore and Malaysia, he said.
Data centres and big data analytics are the service areas that require more foreign direct investment, Mr Suphachai added.