The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with video-based social media platform TikTok to promote the digital content industry and Thai influencers as well as enhance business marketing on the platform.
The Depa president and chief executive Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said TikTok has gained substantial popularity, which could deliver opportunities for businesses in terms of marketing.
The Depa has seen these advantages and decided to form a workshop programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve their technology skills for commercial purposes through cooperation with TikTok, he said.
"The Depa aims to upskill around 1,000 SMEs so as to help them leverage TikTok as another channel to promote products and boost sales through the agency's official account on the platform," said Mr Nuttapon.
The Depa believes the partnership with TikTok would be a boon for Thais in terms of content production quality, which would subsequently expand the digital content economy.
The cooperation would open the door for people to develop their content production skills on TikTok and explore new business marketing through the platform.
Those equipped with digital knowledge and skills would have better job opportunities, he said.
Mr Nuttapon said the Depa aims to promote and raise digital awareness of digital technology among the public and this would give young people an opportunity to become online influencers in the future. They can develop their communication skills with good quality content on TikTok, he said.
On TikTok, the Depa has created an account, @depathailand, to promote digital technology knowledge and another contact point.
Chanida Klyphun, head of public policy at TikTok, said the platform does not only focus on upgrading customer experience on the platform but also on developing a network for sustainability that encompasses users, business partners and state agencies to ensure it is more than just an entertainment app.
"TikTok has ushered in TikTok for Business as a comprehensive digital marketing solution to enhance competitiveness and help businesses expand digital markets effectively."
The cooperation between the Depa and TikTok will promote digital content creation by Thais, giving them a chance to become professional content creators and exposure to global audiences.
"This is an important step for the public and private sector to work together to drive digital manpower -- the foundation of Thailand's ecosystem."
