The government is trying to develop Thailand's defences against cybersecurity threats, including through legislation, says Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Gen Prayut was speaking at the opening ceremony of Digital Thailand Big Bang 2019 symposium on Monday at Bitec Bangna.
He said cyber-attacks are "a new form of threat" and terrorists are exploiting digital technology to support their activities.
"Everyone must pay attention to this issue, which is why the government is preparing, including through the newly enacted Cybersecurity Act and Personal Data Protection Act," said Gen Prayut.
The government wants to see seamless connectivity in digital transformation between the state and private and public sectors. The Thailand 4.0 policy focuses on the adoption of advanced and digital technologies such as big data to develop human capital, society and key business segments, he said.
Digital transformation is expected to drive Asean's average annual income per person to US$100,000 (3.02 million baht) by 2025, and Thailand stands to benefit from it, said Gen Prayut.
The government is urging the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) to find ways to attract global tech firms to invest in the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technology in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to create a hub of Asean connectivity for the new economy.
DES Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta said the tech event, which runs until Thursday, fosters connectivity in tech fields and provides an opportunity to experience a wide range of technology.
The event reflects Thailand's readiness for digital transformation, which improves business confidence and foreign investment. Depa president Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said a high value-added strategy is needed to drive the economy.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the launch of 'Digital Thailand Big Bang 2019' at Bitec. Somchai Poomlard
The government is developing the Digital Park Project, located on a 700-rai plot, in Chon Buri to cater to tech developers. The project also includes the Thailand Digital Valley scheme, which is being developed from the former IoT Institute.
"Depa needs to build up the infrastructure to attract tech companies to invest in the country as well as promote the EEC and the Digital Valley as a centre for startups of all nationalities," said Mr Nuttapon.
The government through Depa is also boosting the capability of digital skilled manpower. It plans to produce 40,000 workers a year to serve digital economy development.
According to IMD digital competitiveness ranking 2019, Thailand dropped one place to 40th.