On June 7, 2023, depa, in collaboration with local networks of partners, launched the DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project.
This initiative aims to accelerate the development of liveable smart cities in 11 areas across 10 provinces nationwide. The project focuses on three key aspects of smart cities: Smart Economy, Smart Living, and Smart Governance, with the goal of addressing the genuine needs of cities and their residents. By enhancing local economies, improving quality of life, and reducing inequality in accessing public services, the project aspires to pave the way for sustainable nationwide smart city development.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa, chaired the opening ceremony for the DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project. The event brought together city mayors, municipal executives, and representatives from the 11 project participating provinces. They participated in a press conference and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster cooperation in local-level smart city development.
Dr. Nuttapon emphasised that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, represented by depa, aims to promote nationwide smart city development through digital technology and innovation. This endeavour requires collaboration from various sectors, including local government agencies, the private sector, and the public sector, in order to meet the diverse contexts and specific needs of cities and their residents. The DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project serves as a platform for sustainable and inclusive smart city development. It focuses on uplifting local economies, enhancing quality of life, supporting an aging society, providing convenience, and reducing inequality in accessing public services.
The DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project initially covers 11 new economic areas in 10 provinces, including Mae Lao subdistrict municipality in Chiang Rai province, Pho Thong subdistrict municipality in Ang Thong province, Hua Thale subdistrict municipality and Sung Nern subdistrict municipality in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Nachumhet subdistrict administrative organisation in Trang province, Hua Wa subdistrict administrative
organisation in Prachinburi province, Phayakkhaphum Phisai district in Maha Sarakham province, Bang Phae subdistrict municipality in Ratchaburi province, Chonburi municipality in Chonburi province, Bang Si Mueang subdistrict municipality in Nonthaburi province, and Samphanthawong district in Bangkok. The project emphasises the promotion of digital technology adoption to develop prototype smart cities, taking into account the unique characteristics of each city, including:
Smart Economy – The project aims to boost local economies through the implementation of the 'Fah Fon' platform, an intelligent agricultural technology that utilises smart weather monitoring devices and data analysis systems. This platform assists farmers in planning their production and cultivation. Additionally, the project promotes the use of eatsHUB, an application for receiving and delivering Thai food, to enhance local food businesses by integrating them into an online system. This platform provides expanded trading opportunities, increased income, and stimulates the tourism sector.
Smart Living – The project focuses on improving the quality of life and supporting the elderly in society through the utilisation of healthcare-related technologies. In collaboration with community health volunteers, the project utilises health data storage devices to record, store, link, and verify health information of the elderly and individuals with disabilities. When the monitoring devices detect dangerous signals that may affect their health, the system promptly notifies for immediate assistance, enabling close, accurate monitoring, and comprehensive care.
Smart Governance – The project aims to reduce the disparity in accessing information, news, and public services provided by the government through the use of communication and public relations technologies. This involves the installation of centrally located LED screens to present beneficial information to the public. This initiative helps bridge the gap between government agencies and the public by promoting clear and widespread communication.
"depa expects that the DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project will stimulate an economic value of over 200 million baht, develop the capabilities of at least 1,000 farmers, involve over 1,000 entrepreneurs from retail shops or restaurants in online platforms, and uplift the quality of life for at least 400 households. Additionally, the
project provides information access to more than 1.3 million individuals, enabling them to access government services," said the President/CEO of depa.
The DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project aims to create a prototype space for implementing digital technology in smart city development at the local level before expanding to nearby areas and eventually being sustainably implemented nationwide. depa is committed to working towards the future of the Thai people and developing Thailand's digital economy to be at the forefront globally, in line with the vision: "We work smart every day to build a world-class digital economy and to help people perform better, think faster, and live better." Those interested in the project can stay updated through depa's communication channels, including the website: www.depa.or.th, LINE OA: depaThailand, and Facebook Page: depa Thailand.
