The Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has joined hands with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) to host the APT Symposium 2023, scheduled for September 11–12, 2023, at the W Bangkok Hotel. Clinical Professor Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of The NBTC, and Mr. Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of APT, presided over the event, emphasising the significance of this year's symposium.
The Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has collaborated with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) to orchestrate the APT Symposium 2023, slated for September 11–12, 2023, at the W Bangkok Hotel. Clinical Professor Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of The NBTC, had the honour of delivering opening remarks, while Mr. Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of APT, presided over the symposium and delivered keynote speeches underscoring the significance of this year's APT Symposium.
APT Symposium 2023 serves as a platform for APT Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members, and representatives from international organisations to convene and share insights on regulatory measures and policy frameworks governing telecommunications/ICT infrastructure development in the Asia-Pacific region. The symposium places a strong emphasis on advancing digital inclusion and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of ICTs for all. This year's event saw participation from representatives and delegations representing a multitude of nations, including the Kingdom of Bhutan, Kingdom of Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Philippines, Independent State of Samoa, Thailand, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), and the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC), totalling 134 attendees.
Mr. Torpong Selanon, Commissioner of The NBTC, and Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director of ITU for Asia and the Pacific, delivered keynote addresses during the inaugural meeting session titled "A Success Story of Inclusive Connectivity in Thailand." Commissioner Mr. Torpong Selanon discussed the achievements of telecommunication development projects initiated by the Office of The NBTC, aimed at expanding access to public services and the advantages of ICTs to diverse segments of the population while addressing the digital divide. Notable initiatives include providing mobile services and broadband internet to 3,920 villages and communities in remote and border areas categorised as Zone C+ and extending high-speed internet services to cover 15,735 villages in remote areas categorised as Zone C.
Additionally, Mr. Notachard Chintakanond, Executive Director of the International Affairs Bureau at the Office of The NBTC, represented Thailand as a speaker during the second session of the symposium titled "Understanding the Digital Divide and Ensuring Universal Connectivity." He presented measures to bridge the digital divide, enhance public confidence in universal connectivity, and strive for equitable access to essential resources and digital opportunities. Mr. Notachard also highlighted the progress of Office of The NBTC's initiatives, focusing on knowledge-sharing and collaboration among stakeholders, overcoming obstacles to universal connectivity, strategies for expanding affordable internet access, improving internet reliability, and fostering proactive policies to encourage public-private sector cooperation.
The APT Symposium 2023 marks a significant milestone in collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide and disparities, redirecting resources towards advancing digital equality. The event reinforces the crucial role of the Office of The NBTC in nurturing Thailand's digital economy and steering the country towards a fully-fledged digital society in the future.