Thailand Digital Economy and Society Development Plan

Strategies and Action Plans

The Thailand Digital Economy and Society Development Plan is a comprehensive framework aimed at leveraging digital technology for national growth and societal transformation. It is structured around a 20-year vision divided into four phases, each targeting specific goals and milestones.


Vision

Digital Thailand aspires to fully utilise digital technology for sustainable socioeconomic development, aiming for prosperity, stability, and sustainability. There are four major objectives in the Digital Economy and Society Development Plan as follows:

1. Enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness in the global arena by harnessing innovation and digital technology as major tools to create innovations in production and services.

2. Creating equal opportunities in society by upgrading people’s quality of life through news, information and services via digital means.

3. Reforming the paradigm of operations and services of the public sector by means of digital technology and data utilisation to ensure transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

4. Developing human capital towards the digital age by equipping every group of workers with appropriate knowledge and skills in preparation for a life and career in the digital age.

While the development of Thailand’s digital economy and society stresses the importance of long term sustainability in concordance with the country’s 20-year National Strategy, to better respond to the dynamism of digital technology the plan will also be divided into four phases as follows.


Phases of development

  1. Phase 1: Digital foundation (1 year 6 months)
    Focus: Establishing basic digital infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and enhancing digital literacy.
    • Key projects:
      • Nationwide broadband rollout.
      • Connecting educational and healthcare institutions to the internet.
      • Strengthening digital laws and governance frameworks.
  2. Phase 2: Digital Thailand I – Inclusion (5 years)
    Focus: Enabling equitable access to digital tools and resources.
    • Key goals:
      • High-speed broadband coverage for every village.
      • Development of digital content for education and lifelong learning.
      • Establishing Thailand as a regional hub for data exchange.
  3. Phase 3: Digital Thailand II – Full transformation (10 years)
    Focus: Utilising digital technology for comprehensive economic and social transformation.
    • Objectives:
      • Integration of digital technologies in agriculture, industries, and services.
      • Digital government with seamless public services.
      • Building a robust ecosystem for digital innovation and startups.
  4. Phase 4: Global digital leadership (10–20 years)
    Focus: Achieving global competitiveness and recognition as a developed, digitally-enabled nation.
    • Vision:
      • Full integration into global digital economies.
      • Advanced digital infrastructure supporting innovation and decentralised development.

Six core strategies

  1. Develop high-efficiency digital infrastructure
    • Build affordable, accessible, and advanced broadband networks.
  2. Drive economic growth via digital technology
    • Promote digital startups and innovation in industries.
  3. Build an inclusive society through digital means
    • Ensure accessibility for underprivileged groups.
  4. Transform the public sector into a digital government
    • Use technology for transparency and efficiency in governance.
  5. Develop a workforce for the digital age
    • Equip workers with digital skills and promote tech-savvy professionals.
  6. Build trust in digital technology
    • Strengthen cybersecurity, data privacy, and user confidence.

Key focus areas

  1. Infrastructure: Making broadband as ubiquitous as other utilities.
  2. Economy: Enhancing competitiveness through digital innovation.
  3. Society: Bridging the digital divide with equitable access.
  4. Government: Streamlining processes and improving service delivery.
  5. Human Capital: Training a workforce prepared for a digital future.
  6. Trust: Establishing a secure, reliable digital ecosystem.