The government plans to attract global tech companies and venture capital funds to invest in Thailand and share knowledge with local startups.
The "Thailand Digital Big Bang" conference in late May will provide international tech firms with updates on the drive towards a digital economy in the country.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj said state officials want global tech firms and venture capital funds to support Thai tech startups and share knowledge with them.
"We hope there will be investments or partnerships with Thai tech startups in the near future," he said.
The conference will be held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center during May 25-28 with support from the Industry and Science and Technology ministries. The government has set aside 120 million baht for the conference budget.
"We want to inform global tech firms, particularly those in Asean, that Thailand is developing a digital ecosystem through the national digital roadmap, paving the way to lift up new S-curve industrial developments here," Mr Pichet said.
Among new potential industries are those related to robotics, aircraft, digital business, biofuels, biochemicals and nanotechnology.
He said many tech startups in Thailand are more than capable of developing their operations, but they still need support through collaboration with global players as a springboard for success.
In addition, Thailand has great investment potential in Asean, as the country's location, along with its transport and communication infrastructure, have proven advantageous.
"The government should urgently fulfil its goal to make Thailand a digital infrastructure hub and a startup gateway to Asean," Mr Pichet said.
A number of digital service providers and startup tech firms from 20 countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand, have already confirmed their participation in the May conference.
In addition, the conference will be the first time the Global Entrepreneurship Network, the world's biggest startup network with members from 165 countries, will attend the event to share its knowledge with Thai tech startups.
Mr Pichet said promoting Thai tech startups is one among four strategies the DE Ministry will focus on this year.
The four strategies are: the construction of a national broadband network for villages and more submarine cables; the promotion of tech startups, the digital ecosystem and digital literacy; developing government data centre consolidation and the smart government platform; and enhancing the disaster warning system with digital technology.