If Thailand wants the digital economy initiative to get off the ground, the state must engage in the crucial role of developing a base for the nation's information and communications technology infrastructure, says the IMC Institute.
The management consultancy lists big data and IT infrastructure as investment priorities for the government.
"Encouraging IT infrastructure sharing and training more data scientists will be key success factors in the government's drive towards a digital economy," said Thanachart Numnonda, executive director of the IMC Institute.
He said shared IT infrastructure could eliminate duplicate investment and reduce wasteful spending.
In addition, Mr Thanachart suggested an open data policy as a way to ensure access to public records and other information.
At least 47 countries have introduced open data policies.
Mr Thanachart said the government should help small and mid-sized enterprises and e-commerce providers use big data analytics to enhance their competitiveness.
Big data has been increasingly adopted by emerging markets over the past few years.
Singapore and Malaysia have positioned themselves as regional hubs for data centres.
"Both the public and private sectors need to embrace advanced technologies and transform quickly to prepare for the arrival of the Asean Economic Community," Mr Thanachart said.
He cited global research firm IDC's forecast that the big data analytic market in Asia-Pacific ex-Japan would reach US$1.6 billion in 2015.
Worldwide, big data professional demand is tipped to reach 4.4 million jobs this year. Data scientist ranks as one of the top 10 highest-paid IT jobs due to a staffing shortage.
The IMC Institute will introduce a 120-hour training course next month.