People will soon find it easier to obtain access to government services online, whether via the popular Line application or using a redesigned suite of websites, with parliament expected to pass a bill on the digitalisation of administrative functions in the next few months, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.
Speaking at the "Better Thailand: Open Dialogue" forum initiated by the government and sponsored by the private sector in Bangkok yesterday, Mr Wissanu said the bill, known as the Draft Act of Electronic Performance of Administrative Functions, is designed to streamline government services.
The bill, which is likely to clear parliament in the upcoming legislative session, promotes zero-contact wherever possible, although members of the public are required to appear for important articles of administration such as registering a marriage or divorce and applying for a passport.
"When the bill takes effect, people won't need to meet officials in person to get government services or present their ID cards, instead they can use Line or visit the appropriate website," he said.
Mr Wissanu said some 350 state agencies already provide online services, and the bill on the digitalisation of administrative functions is part of a policy of using new media and the internet to improve transparency, efficiency and service quality.
The other key bills pending scrutiny in parliament include a law on judicial processes and an amendment to student loans, while a personal data protection law is also in the works.