In evolving the traditional economic structure into “Value-Based Economy” or “Innovation-driven Economy”, Thailand has marked five new industries or New S-curves to drive future economic trends including Robotics, Aviation and Logistics, Biofuels & Biochemicals, Digital, and Medical Hub.
As part of the Thailand 4.0 initiative, Thailand aims to enhance its healthcare infrastructure and become the next Asia Pacific Medical Hub by 2025. Achieving the aspired-to top spot will require continuous technological development in Telehealth, Smart Medical and Devices Robotics which rely on the advancement in 5G technology and other relevant technologies including AI and big data, which can be used to support data analytics and medical services. These technologies are catalysts that will drive Thailand to reach its goal of being the next Asia Pacific Medical Hub faster than previously planned.
DRIVING THAILAND INTO THE “SMART HEALTH” ERA
Rather than being a hurdle, the advent of technology disruption over the past two-three years has been a crucial factor spurring development
in technology infrastructure. This phenomenon has been in line with
the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s implementation of its policy and planning of telecommunications business strategy with the objective of creating an “Eco System” linking government agencies and private sectors. This especially applies to “content providers” and SMEs that will be engaged to grow alongside.
The evolution of the medical technology scheme is in compliance with NBTC’s 5G technology development plan progressing the 5G first wave frequency auction that was held in February 2020. Moreover, mobile operators are inducing network rollout throughout the country, especially the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
area to provide service to support 5G applications in vertical sectors.
ENABLING ECO SYSTEM TO PROMOTE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Theetanun Rattanasanyanuphap, Executive Director of Telecommunications Policy and Resource Management Bureau, Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission stated, “NBTC has joined hands with other sectors in supporting the telecommunications infrastructure and application of 5G technology in various industries. Furthermore, NBTC is studying international guidelines
for promoting 5G deployment and creating incentive policies to promote investment in digital infrastructure and services, and encourage the use of digital technologies in healthcare. The Smart Hospital initiative, with the support of efficient telecommunications infrastructure is an aspect that help us achieve the Thailand 4.0 policy goal.
It also provides opportunities for investment and business expansion.” Data analytics, through 5G and cloud computing infrastructure help create value added to Medical Hub industry, as it supports smart healthcare applications. This is taken as the turning point in transforming Thailand’s economic structure to “Value-Based Economy”.
