The government is gearing up efforts to capitalise on big data to develop provincial smart cities, according to Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong.
A city data platform will be ready within this year, ACM Prajin said, adding it will be an open source to allow developers to harness it for purposes such as creating new facilities and services for local areas.
The smart city, the deputy premier said, covers economy, mobility, energy, environment, living, people and governance.
According to him, the government wants to modernise the country while maintaining local cultures and protecting the environment.
"Smart cities also conform to the government's national strategy of using modern technology to enhance livelihoods and narrow the social gap," ACM Prajin said.
The deputy premier stressed cities must be developed by taking into account environmental conservation and effective management of rubbish and wastewater.
Efforts must also be made to develop green spaces in cities, ensure good living conditions, make people healthier as well as maintain the environment and local identities, he noted.
According to the deputy premier, 10 zones in seven provinces have already become part of a pilot project and they are located in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao.
This year, another 30 zones in 24 provinces will join the project, he said, adding that 100 zones in all 77 provinces will come under this scheme over the next five years.
Meanwhile, Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has called on the state, private and public sectors, as well as the media to help advance the work that the Asean Smart Cities Network (ASCN) will be undertaking during June-August this year.
The activities include a showcase of best practices for smart cities demonstrated by 16 Asean member cities along with other partner cities around the globe and major private companies, he added.