REALIZING DIGITAL THAILAND - An Internet not for the few, but for the many - Telenor Group
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REALIZING DIGITAL THAILAND An Internet not for the few, but for the many
CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Shared Vision for Digital Thailand 03
Digital Thailand: Focus Areas 06
Pillar 1: Digital Infrastructure 06
Pillar 2: Digital Innovation Ecosystem 07
Pillar 3: Digital Technology for an Equitable Society 09
Pillar 4: eGovernment Services 11
Pillar 5: Human Capital 12
Pillar 6: Holistic Frameworks for a Digital Thailand 13
Realizing Digital Thailand 14
Roles of public, private and civil sectors 15
Roadmap 16
02 Contents REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDTHE SHARED VISION FOR
DIGITAL THAILAND
The Royal Thai Government has identified At the same time, the Prime Minister
building a Digital Economy and Society as emphasizes that the creation of a Digital
a priority in order to transform Thailand Economy and society has the potential
into a digital leader within the ASEAN to enhance Thai public education and
Economic Community. The Digital Economy educational accessibility for all age groups,
is an important driver of innovation, as well as aid in the process of reducing social
competitiveness and growth, and holds huge disparity and mobilizing economic growth
potential for Thai entrepreneurs and the small transregionally.1
and medium-sized enterprises that make up
99 percent of Thai businesses.
BENEFITS OF A DIGITAL ECONOMY
The benefits of the government’s plan to build a Digital Economy
for Thailand and the Thai people include the following areas:
Source Box: 1 Royal Thai Government
Statement, “Issues of Priority: Digital
Economy”
03 The Shared Vision for Digital Thailand REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDTHE SHARED VISION FOR
DIGITAL THAILAND
For the same reasons, dtac is a strong believe that Thailand has the potential to be from other economies in the process of
believer in the value of a Digital Thailand. Number One in ICT in ASEAN. digitalization.
As part of Telenor Group’s broad experience
of emerging markets in this region and This report is intended to present dtac’s Achieving a Digital Economy and Society
elsewhere around the globe, we see the concrete recommendations for achieving must be a collaborative effort involving
urgency of taking action to make this goal this goal. They have been formulated against stakeholders from the government, private
a reality. With accelerated efforts from the background of our long experience in sector and civil society. dtac is committed
all stakeholders, we believe it is possible Thailand, and Telenor Group’s experience to working with all stakeholders to see the
to reach many key objectives for national from other emerging digital economies growth of a truly Digital Thailand.
digitialization by 2020. We have worked around the world. It is also intended to
consistently to help Thailand achieve demonstrate our initiatives to support
digital leadership in the region, and firmly Digital Thailand and draws on examples
TARGETS FOR DIGITAL THAILAND
The ICT Ministry’s draft Development Plan for Economy and Digital Society 2016 has set out a number of key targets and indicators
for the development of a Digital Economy and Society in the near term:2
CRE AT E T R A NSFORM DE V EL OP HUM A N
INCRE A SE GL OBA L
OPPOR T UNI T Y A ND GOV ERNMEN T C A PI TA L SUPPOR T
COMPE T I T I V ENE S S
SOCI A L EQUA L I T Y SEC TOR FOR A DIGI TA L WORL D
100% 25% Top 50 on UN 100%
OF THAI OF GDP e-Government OF THAIS DIGITALLY
POPUL ATION
with access to the
FROM DIGITAL
INDUSTRIES
ranking LITER ATE
(currently 102 of 193)3
internet as a standard
public service
Source Box:
2
Ministry of Information and Communication
Technology, Development Plan for Economy and
Digital Society, draft as of 2 February, 2016
3
United Nations, United Nations E-Government
Survey, https://publicadministration.un.org/
egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/
169-Thailand
04 The Shared Vision for Digital Thailand REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDTHE SHARED VISION FOR
DIGITAL THAILAND
Thailand compares favorably to its regional penetration– 51% as compared to the global
peers in most key indicators, and potential average of 21% – and the number of hours
exists for robust future progress given per day spent online by Thais, at 3.9 hours, is
Thailand can and existing technical and human infrastructure, almost double the global average.5
as well as the strong support the current
should reasonably government is giving to building a Digital At the same time, Thailand still lags behind
Economy and Society. Already great progress regional peers like Malaysia in terms of
expect to be has been made: between 2010 and 2015, overall mobile penetration, smartphone
Thailand’s ICT Development Index ranking ownership, 4G rollout, and, most worryingly,
Number 1 in ASEAN jumped 18 places from 92 to 74, one of the “Skills” indicator, in which it should
the most dramatic improvements in the very well expect to be performing better.
in all or most of the grouping. Nevertheless, given the government’s
ambitious plans and a young, digitally aware
key indicators by Thailand is the most dynamic country middle class, Thailand can and should
globally in the “Use” category4, an reasonably expect to be Number 1 in ASEAN
2020. unsurprising result given remarkable 3G in all or most of the key indicators by 2020.
HOW IS THAILAND DOING?
KEY INDICATORS IN A REGIONAL COMPARISON: 6
Country ICT Global Total Mobile Unique 3G + 4G Smartphone
Development IDI 7 Ranking Penetration Mobile
Subscribers
Thailand 4.8 74 122% 85.47% 82.47% 58.98%
Indonesia 3.8 108 126% 58.43% 40.48% 40.37%
Singapore 7.9 19 145% 71.52% 63.14% 78.16%
Malaysia 5.2 64 142% 76.1% 60.3% 64.63%
Philippines 4.0 98 117% 65.09% 44.74% 40.9%
Vietnam 4.1 102 152% 49.66% 36.48% 27.84%
Source Box:
4
ITU, ITU ICT Development Index,
http://www.itu.int/net4/ITU-D/idi/2015/#idi2015rank-tab
5
Global Web Index, Thailand Market Report 2015
6
Data from ITU, 2015; GSMA Intelligence, Q4 2015
7
IDI, ICT Development Index
05 The Shared Vision for Digital Thailand REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDDIGITAL THAILAND : FOCUS AREAS
According to the draft Development Plan for Economy and Digital Society of 2016, there are six key action
areas for building a Digital Economy in Thailand8; these are supplemented here with dtac’s concrete
recommendations for implementation.
PILLAR 1: DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
THE CHALLENGE: 2020, with a corresponding GDP increase
The link between internet penetration of US $23 billion (THB 730 billion).9The
and the birth of a truly Digital Economy is socioeconomic benefits of such a windfall
DTAC-PROPOSED
a vital one. Despite its digital ambitions, are clear. TARGETS FOR 2020
Thailand stands at a crossroads both in
However, mobile broadband will undoubtedly
terms of lacking both fixed and mobile digital
infrastructure coverage, particularly in the
provinces. Furthermore, mobile penetration
become the primary source for internet
access at all levels of society in the near term,
1 133% BROADBAND
INTERNE T
PENE TR ATION
and particularly among rural populations.
is hampered by delays in the availability
With this in mind, the government should look
of spectrum to expand effective service
coverage nationally, particularly at the 4G
to make spectrum in the 850 MHz and 1800 2 GDP increase of
MHz bands available for auction in order to US $23 BIL L ION
level.
expand 3G and 4G mobile services through ( T HB 730 BIL L ION)
auction at the earliest possible opportunity.
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS:
The government conducted 1800 and
Additionally, the government should develop
a spectrum roadmap with timelines for the
3 100%
4G COVER AGE
900 band auctions in 2015, and aims in allocation of 700, 850, 1800, 2300, 2600
2016 to upgrade the national basic digital MHz bands through auction. The lower
infrastructure, including bringing internet
broadband to reach 30,000 villages
(accounting for 40% of the 70,000 villages
frequency bands will contribute to providing
coverage in rural areas, while the high
frequency bands will ensure enough capacity
4
100%
OF THAIS CONNEC TED
in Thailand). At the same time, Thailand is to meet consumer demand in rural areas.
also enlisting private sector help to construct
a national data center to support the
development of the digital economy, improve
access to international gateways, and boost INTERNET FOR ALL
national broadband access. Thailand is
actively pursuing the introduction of further
Telenor Group has played a we serve by extending internet
submarine cable systems in order to send
fundamental role in the mobile connectivity to as many people
and receive digital data between countries in
revolution in every country where as possible, thereby bringing
ASEAN and the world. The South-East Asia
we work. We are now driving the the socioeconomic and cultural
Japan Cable System will be introduced to
next revolution: the digital one. benefits of the internet to all the
Thailand with direct connectivity with Hong
Telenor aims to enable the digital markets where we work.
Kong, Taiwan, and Japan in order to establish
transformation of the societies
Thailand as truly the center of ASEAN.
DTAC RECOMMENDATIONS: What does that mean? With only
Digitalization with affordable and universal
fixed and mobile broadband internet access
will directly contribute to the government’s
Today, only about
32 %
40 %
objective of increasing equality and reducing
active data users, the vast majority of
the digital divide. According to the GSMA,
the unconnected are in emerging Asia.
accessibility to both mobile and fixed
By making “Internet for All” a pillar of
broadband in Thailand can be significantly
our global strategy, we are striving to
increased from 52% in 2013 to 133% by
OF THE WORLD’SPOPULATION reach them. From Bulgaria to Bangladesh
and Myanmar, Telenor Group has set an
has access to the internet. ambition of 200 million active internet
users by 2017.
Source Box:
8
MICT, op. cit
9
GSMA, 2015
06 Digital Thailand Plan Focus Areas with dtac Recommendations REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDPILLAR 2: DIGITAL INNOVATION
ECOSYSTEM
THE CHALLENGE: DTAC RECOMMENDATIONS:
According to the Boston Consulting Group, The goal of promoting Thailand as a digital
SMEs who heavily use ICT grow and export hub must be supported through actions
twice as much as their competitors. However, that promote the digital startup ecosystem
SMEs who heavily in Thailand there is still reluctance on the part and entrepreneurship through multiple
of the SMEs that make up more than 99% of partnerships. Thailand has many important
use ICT grow and all businesses to employ digital technology assets in this area: a strong creative industry,
in their processes, much less actively engage groundbreaking ICT entrepreneurs like Builk
export twice as in pursuing innovative digital businesses.10 and OokBee, and high consumer demand.
There is no doubt that enabling the SMEs that
much as their comprise the backbone of the Thai economy To make a vibrant ecosystem a reality,
to achieve their full potential through both all stakeholders, including government,
competitors ICT-enhanced business practices and actively academia and the private sector must come
pursuing e-commerce will have broad together to create a conducive environment
positive socioeconomic impact. for innovation. Multinationals like Telenor
involved with the transnational digital
ecosystem in particular, have a unique
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS: perspective and contribution to make
The government is striving to encourage
towards encouraging Thai startups. Telenor
digital innovation and build a dynamic
Digital for example works with startups across
digital ecosystem through such bodies
the globe to bring exciting new content
as the National Science and Technology
and services to its users. Building on that
Development Board and the Office of Small
experience, the dtac Accelerate program has
and Medium Enterprise, as well as a number
enabled multiple Thai startups at all stages of
of key public/private partnerships. Initiatives
the growth process to build their skills, realize
aim to stimulate the economy through
ideas, scale up, source financing, and go to
digital innovation, increase the potential of
market (see box below).
SMEs and larger businesses by creating a
business-centric, conducive environment for
technology enterprises.
Source Box: 10Boston Consulting
Group, Ahead of the Curve: Lessons
on Technology and Growth from Small
Business Leaders, 2013
07 Digital Innovation Ecosystem REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDPILLAR 2: DIGITAL INNOVATION
ECOSYSTEM
TARGETS FOR 2020:
50%
SME contribution
to GDP (currently 37%)
Thailand in
TARGET TOP QUARTILE OF TARGET TOP QUARTILE OF Increased Public
Global Competitiveness
INDEX (RANK AS
Networked Readiness
INDEX (RANK AS
/Private Partnership
FOR ECOSYSTEM
Top 20
OF 2016: 32/140)11 OF 2016: 67/143) 12 DEVELOPMENT In Compass Global Startup
Ecosystem ranking
(currently unlisted)
DTAC ACCELERATE
DTAC CONTINUES TO DRIVE THAI TEAMS IN THE INCUBATOR OR TEAMS ALSO RECEIVE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION ACCELERATOR TRACKS COMMERCIALIZATION SUPPORT FROM
WITH THE DTAC ACCELERATE PROGRAM. DTAC, TELENOR, AND OTHER REGIONAL
RECEIVE SUPPORTING TELENOR BUSINESS UNITS.
THE 4-MONTH FUNDS OF THB
BOOT CAMP 500,000-1,500,000
SINCE ITS BEGINNING IN 2013, DTAC
ACCELERATE HAS LAUNCHED SOME
OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THAI TECH
PER TEAM.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP INCLUDING
FOR EARLY-STAGE AFTER 4 MONTHS OF INTENSIVE
COACHING AND MENTORING FROM PIGGIPO DRIVEBOT
STARTUPS WORLD-CLASS MENTORS FROM SILICON PERSONAL CAR DIAGNOSTIC
BRINGS TOGETHER AN AMAZING VALLEY AND ASIA, TEAMS RECEIVE FINANCE APP DEVICE OUTFIT
COMMUNITY OF STARTUPS IN THE INITIAL PITCHING OPPORTUNITIES IN FRONT OF
PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT, FELLOW LEADING LOCAL AND REGIONAL VCS AS CLAIM DI
ENTREPRENEURS, EXPERIENCED MENTORS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND MOBILE INSURANCE CLAIM APP
AND INVESTORS WITH A COMMON TRAIT THE 2-WEEK BLACKBOX CONNECT
TO DREAM BIG AND MAKING AN IMPACT ON PROGRAM IN SILICON VALLEY WITH ITS VC
THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY. ROADSHOW. HTTP://ACCELERATE.DTAC.CO.TH/
Source Box:
11
World Economic Forum, Global
Competitiveness Index, 2016. http://reports.
weforum.org/global-competitiveness-
report-2015-2016/economies/#economy=THA
12
World Economic Forum, Networked Readiness
Report, 2016.http://reports.weforum.org/
global-information-technology-report-2015/
economies/#economy=THA
and articles.
08 Digital Innovation Ecosystem REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDPILLAR 3: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FOR
AN EQUITABLE SOCIETY
THE CHALLENGE: GOVERNMENT ACTION: DTAC RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Digital Economy must be an inclusive one, The government aims to increase the Through its vision for Internet For All (see
aimed at alleviating urban-rural disparity and coverage by digital community centers- box on p.6), Telenor has been a driving force
boosting rural incomes, particularly among telecenters to foster economic activity behind digital inclusion internationally.
Thailand’s backbone of agriculturalists. The through SMEs, including industries related Bringing 48 million unconnected Thais to
digital divide in Thailand remains significant to the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) digitalized health, education, financial and
between urban and rural populations, and program. Such policies are aimed at enabling agricultural services will promote greater
is strongly affected by income – in 2015, 48 rural populations to engage in e-commerce equity and help Thailand accelerate out of the
million Thais remain unconnected and unable and ensure that digital development occurs middle-income trap.
to avail themselves of the socioeconomic and “from the inside out”, rather than being a
cultural benefits of the internet. 13 trickle-down process. Initiatives to develop dtac already works to connect farmers and
digital skills at the local level will be prioritized train them build their businesses through the
to stimulate local development and Smart Farmer program; such public/private
encourage high-tech agricultural, food, and partnerships can reduce the burden on the
information technology industries in non- government and contribute significantly
urban areas. towards reducing the digital divide.
TARGETS FOR 2020
100% ENHANCED EQUIVALENT NATIONWIDE
OF THAIS CONNECTED
SECURITY QUALITY ACCESS
TO CITIZENS AND THEIR ASSETS OF CONNECTION ACROSS TO DIGITAL KNOWLEDGE
THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY THE COUNTRY AND SKILLS FOR LIVELIHOOD
DTAC PAYSBUY
With more than 97% of payment dtac, through its subsidiary Paysbuy, has Paysbuy helps increase financial
transactions in Thailand conducted in provided e-payment services to online inclusion and foster the growth of Thai
cash, enormous resources are required merchants and Thai consumers since e-commerce. In 2015, Paysbuy facilitated
to safeguard, transport, and monitor 2007. Paysbuy aims to make e-payment more than 50 billion THB of transactions
cash transactions. E-payment thus plays a convenient and secure way for Thai for consumers and is a trusted payment
important role in increasing efficiency consumers to transact, and thus stimulate partner for more than 14,000 online
through creating a cashless society while the electronic economy. Through its merchants in Thailand.
also empowering the more than 20% of e-money, mobile wallet, payment
unbanked Thais to participate more fully gateway, and counter payment offerings, http://www.paysbuy.com
in the economy.
Source Box:
13
World Bank, World Development Report
2016: Digital Dividends, 2016, p. 8
09 Digital Technology for an Equitable Society REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDPILLAR 3: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FOR
AN EQUITABLE SOCIETY
DTAC SMART FARMER
dtac implements the Smart Farmer the country, using technology to improve real-time agricultural commodity prices,
program in collaboration with the farming techniques, share commodity prices, as well as an online shop that provides
SamnuekRak Ban Kerd Foundation, encourage innovation, and pool agricultural Thai SME products direct to consumers.
RuamDuayChuayKan community radio, the knowledge and practices. Participants receive Since its inception in 2008, the program
Department of Agricultural Extension, and training in using the dtac-designed Farmer has empowered 250,000 farmers and won
the Bank for Agricultural Cooperatives. The Info application, which provides agricultural multiple awards for ICT excellence.
program creates and supports promising knowledge and farming tips in the form of
young agriculturalists age 17-45 across video clips. The application also provides https://www.dtac.co.th/csr/star1677.php
TELENOR PAKISTAN EASYPAISA
TELENOR AND Telenor and Tameer Bank launched retail and other purchases, while also
TAMEER BANK Easypaisa in 2009. Today the service collecting and repaying 3rd party
2009
L AUNCHED has more than 16 million active microfinance loans, making donations,
EASYPAISA. customers, transacting more than receiving microinsurance, and taking
USD 5.5 billion in yearly volume and the leap from a cash-only economy to a
has 70,000 agents across Pakistan. Digital Economy.
THE SERVICE HA S OVER
Access to financial services has With financial services, people in rural
16 MILLION
significant benefits for individuals,
businesses and society at large.
areas and at the base of the pyramid
are experiencing a whole new level of
AC T I V E CUS T OMER S
With increasingly advanced devices financial empowerment. The Pakistan
and better data connectivity, basic government has also started using
TODAY
TR ANSAC TING OVER money transfer services have become Easypaisa to distribute government
5.5 increasingly sophisticated: customers
can access loans and build up savings,
disbursements – directly into the
account of the beneficiaries – as well as
BILLION USD
send and receive remittances through to collect payments.
IN Y E A RLY VOL UME
an inter-operable system with banks
and telcos, buy airtime from any http://www.telenor.com/sustainability/
AGENTS ACROSS operator, receive salaries and make initiatives-worldwide/easypaisa-
PAKISTAN payments to and from their account for banking-services-made-easy/
online,
70,000
10 Digital Technology for an Equitable Society REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDPILLAR 4: E-GOVERNMENT SERVICES
ANOTHER FUNDAMENTAL DRIVING
THE CHALLENGE: DTAC RECOMMENDATIONS: FORCE BEHIND A HEALTHY DIGITAL
A key attribute of Digital Thailand must be Public services can benefit tremendously
ECONOMY IS E-COMMERCE.
information, transparency and accessibility from digitalization, both in terms of quality,
THAILAND’S E-COMMERCE
for all groups, and particularly digital access accessibility and transparency through
MARKET WAS WORTH
to public information and services. However, initiatives such as the Super GIN. These
Thailand currently lags behind developed efforts can be enhanced through partnership
nations in the online availability of basic with the private sector, which has a unique roughly
public services. The vast majority of public
records have also not yet been made digitally
contribution to make in the provision of
e-government services – consider, for
2013 27 billion THB
by 2013.
available to citizens. instance, dtac’s initiatives to extend banking
services to the unbanked through Mobile
with the
Financial Services such as dtac’s Paysbuy.
potential
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS: Telenor has extensive experience in bringing
to grow to
A national ”superhighway network” – formally the benefits of mobile financial services
known as the Government Information to consumers in developing markets
Network (GIN) – or Super GIN – is in the internationally (see pillar 3).
more than
process of establishment, linking existing
government data systems and thereby Likewise, government digital development
2017 360 billion
making public information more easily efforts like the current system of telecenters by 2017.
14
accessible, boosting economic growth, for local connectivity could be scaled up and
assisting with natural disasters, tackling enhanced through partnerships with private In order to enable the growth of
illegal trade and criminal activity and service providers. this important dimension of the
managing security issues. Digital Economy, it is vital that the
government introduce regulation
allowing more variety of secure
electronic formats such as e-receipts
and e-invoices to offer more user
TARGETS FOR 2020: flexibility and promote wider use,
thereby increasing the efficiency
and transparency of e-businesses
Improve UN Nationwide Public
1 eGovernment 2 digital access 3 participation and enabling smaller vendors to
take advantage of digital markets.
ranking to stable and reliable in policy decisions
Additional IT investments should be
(currently 102 of 193; public records and through Connected
made for Revenue Department to
target top 50) services Governance
handle large number of e-receipt
and enhanced
transactions to accommodate the
connectivity to
future growth of e-commerce
justice system
BIG DATA FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD
Telenor Group’s ambition is to leverage our mobile to predict and track the spread of The resulting model contributes to the
expertise to find sustainable long-term epidemic dengue fever. The study, “Impacts of design of more effective national response
solutions to social challenges, creating human mobility on the emergence of dengue mechanisms in Pakistan and other at-risk
shared value for society and the company. epidemics in Pakistan”, analysed anonymized nations, while demonstrating the potential
Deploying our capabilities in Big Data, a study call data records from more than 30 million for Big Data to accurately reveal mobility
by Telenor Research in conjunction with the Telenor Pakistan subscribers during the 2013 patterns that can help combat and predict
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, dengue outbreak, using the large sample to the spread of virulent disease.
Oxford University, the U.S. Center for Disease accurately map the geographic spread and
Control, and the University of Peshawar timing of the epidemic. https://www.telenor.com/media/press-
demonstrates the power of releases/2015/telenor-research-deploys-
big-data-against-dengue/
Source Box: 14 AT Kearney report, Lifting the
Barriers to E-Commerce in ASEAN, 2015
11 eGovernment Services REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDPILLAR 5: HUMAN CAPITAL
THE CHALLENGE: DTAC NET ARSA
Human Capital is without doubt the
crosscutting issue in Thailand’s digital In support of the government’s goal Net Arsa focuses on raising awareness
ambitions. Thailand’s Digital Economy may of doubling the number of internet of the benefits of the internet through
be hampered in the short term by gaps in the users in 5 years (approximately 20 simple language and hands-on training
educational system and digital readiness million currently), and as part of with real applications. Once trainees
on the part of the workforce: a recent study Telenor’s vision of Internet For All, learn and understand how to use the
by Singapore Management University dtac has pledged to increase the internet, they pay it forward by teaching
observes that Thailand’s workers suffer from number of active internet users in others in the community. dtac thereby
a significant skills gap particularly in the area Thailand to reach 90% of total dtac contributes to a national policy goal
of IT.15 customers. while improving the lives of Thai people,
helping those lacking opportunities,
In order to realize the goal of enhancing our work and lifestyle, and
connecting the unconnected, the eventually creating a self-sustaining
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS: dtac team has established the dtac digital society.
Plans for a Digital Economy thus aim to
Internet Volunteer/Net Arsa – free
build an internationally-competitive IT
teaching at your home program – Net Arsa has more than 60 volunteer
workforce while also ensuring digital literacy
providing training on how to use internet coaches stationed across
and inclusion at the local level. Policy will
the internet, founded on dtac’s Thailand and has helped to connect
be aimed at increasing creativity in using
philosophy of making a contribution more than 50,000 people nationwide.
digital technology in the private sector and
to local communities.
in government, as well as encouraging young
https://www.facebook.com/dtacnetforall/
workers to enter the field of technology
equipped with digital expertise and skills that
meet international standards.
Higher education play an important role Public/private partnership can play a key
DTAC RECOMMENDATIONS: in this, but efforts must begin by building role here in sourcing private sector expertise
A major challenge for Thailand within
basic ICT skills among the entire population, and human capital to deliver up-to-date and
the ASEAN context will be strengthening
enabling them to take part in a digital society relevant instruction, as has occurred through
both digital literacy and English
and be competent for the demands of a dtac’s Net Arsa program (see box above).
language to enable the workforce to
digitalized job market.
function in a connected world.
TARGETS FOR 2020:
100%
OF THAIS PRESENCE OF
NATIONWIDE
CONNECTED ACCESS BROADBAND, DIGITAL SKILL
appropriate technology, increased across the
to digital knowledge
and instruction in everypublic workforce in every sector
and skills for livelihood
educational facility
andinformation center
Source Box:
15
Singapore Management University, “New
study by SMU will aim to help ASEAN address
skills gap”, 13 November 2015, http://www.smu.
edu.sg/news/2015/11/13/new-study-smu-will-
aim-help-asean-address-skills-gap-0
12 eGovernment Services REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDPILLAR 6: HOLISTIC FRAMEWORKS
FOR A DIGITAL THAILAND
THE CHALLENGE: DTAC RECOMMENDATIONS ensuring allocation of spectrum through
In order to catalyze a Digital Economy and Reaping the full benefits of modern transparent and competitive auction should
Society, Thailand requires holistic frameworks technology requires an equally modern policy be a key priority.
for laws, regulations, and criteria governing framework focused on facilitating innovation,
the digital sector. These must be effective, healthy competition and removing barriers Finally, building digital resilience by ensuring
relevant, and aligned with international to ensure efficient delivery of services that the privacy, online safety and personal
standards for security, safety, and human to customers. Thailand is in the process data of consumers are protected. This should
rights in order to build confidence in Digital of revising a number of digital economy be undertaken not only through regulation,
Thailand for all digital stakeholders and laws, a process that should be undertaken but through education and training targeted
ensure healthy digital growth in a transparent manner through public at creating a truly digitally-literate and
consultation. Establishing a business-friendly internet-aware public across all ages and
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS: environment and a level playing field with demographics. dtac is particularly active
The government is formulating legislation state owned companies while guaranteeing in these areas through the Safe Internet
ensuring safe digital access and services, as the independence of the National activities conducted in all Telenor business
well as introducing regulation guaranteeing Broadcasting and Telecommunications units worldwide (see boxes below).
secure and trusted digital transactions. Commission and clearly defining its mandate
Security, safety and user rights protections would be indispensible to this process.
aligned with international standards are
important considerations outlined by the At the same time, a number of key regulatory
government, as well as educational measures issues should be closely evaluated. In line with
to a digitally literate user public that enjoys expanding Thailand’s digital infrastructure
the same security, safety and rights online as (see Pillar 1 above)
they do offline.
TARGETS FOR 2020:
Digital Economy 2 Ensure future Regulation Online Safety
1 laws implemented allocation of spectrum 3 allowing more variety of
4 education standard
transparently and through transparent and secure electronic formats for for public ICT school
through public competitive auction e-receipts/e-tax invoices curriculum K-12
consultation
Unproductive and harmful internet usage
DTAC SAFE INTERNET has become an overlooked and undertreated
A viral online
campaign raising the alarm on the
AND CYBERBULLYING social and economic issue. dtac has
issue of cyberbullying
implemented the Safe Internet initiative in
order to build up the capacity of children and The “Digitally-Savvy
Thai children
and youth aged 5-28 youth in Thailand to use the internet in a safe
way and also to prepare them to be good
Parent Guide Book”,
a tool for helping parents to educate
YEARS
have the “digital citizens”. their children about safe technology
highest internet usage at home.
usage rate of 75% More than 7,000 A series of anti-cyberbullying
S T UDEN T S A ND T E AC HER S IN B A NGKOK
workshops involving 15,000 students
80% of children and adolescents
across Thailand have been
have been exposed to a school outreach and parents
roadshow providing knowledge about safer
bullied online
navigation of the online environment. Child helpline
to address cyber-bulling
13 Holistic Frameworks for a Digital Thailand REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDREALIZING DIGITAL THAILAND
The Royal Thai Government’s objective of
THE EMERGENCE OF DIGITAL
building a Digital Economy and Society for
Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most THAILAND WILL HAVE DIRECT
Significant steps ambitious and important short- and long-
term initiatives for shaping the future of the
BENEFITS IN THE AREAS OF
need to be taken country. The emergence of Digital Thailand
will have direct benefits in the areas of GDP GDP growth
in order to reach growth and broad-based socioeconomic
prosperity and inclusion; labor productivity
the bold goals and employment; and competitiveness within
the ASEAN Economic Community and beyond.
broad-based
socioeconomic
set by the Digital Significant steps need to be taken in order
prosperity
Economy and to reach the bold goals set by the Digital
Economy and Society agenda. These require labor productivity
Society agenda. the participation and cooperation of multiple
stakeholders, from policy-makers to the
and employment
private sector and civil society, as multiple
factors are at play in creating a healthy
competitiveness
enabling environment for Digital Thailand,
within the ASEAN
including regulation and policy-related
Economic
issues, large-scale infrastructural challenges,
Community and
private-sector contribution and collaboration;
beyond.
and societal factors as detailed above.
At the same time, the growth of efficient
and progressive broadband infrastructure At the same time, the creation of a viable
will generate new skilled jobs, generate Digital Economy is not the responsibility of
socioeconomic prosperity, strengthen the government alone. The private sector
digital inclusion and pave the way for the and civil society also play key roles in building
achievement of related objectives set out in a conducive environment and enabling
the government’s Digital Economy Plan. ecosystem.
14 Realizing Digital Thailand REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDREALIZING DIGITAL THAILAND
ROLES OF PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND
CIVIL SECTORS
Close coordination between government, the private
sector, academia and civil society is needed in order to
realize Digital Thailand. Aligning government policies
and regulations, private investment, academia, and
civil society for digitalization to benefit all is one of the
biggest challenges Thailand faces.
Private dtac
sector and Government Regulator recommendation
civil society
invest in high-speed networks, Facilitate an environment based Conduct spectrum auctions The Digital Economy and Society
introduce innovative products on transparent and investment- to stimulate investment and Committee should be a high-
and services at fair and conducive legal, tax, and strengthen coverage and level joint government and
competitive prices. Ensure regulatory frameworks in order access for consumers. Ensure private sector task force under
protection and appropriate use to promote a truly competitive, that consumer rights are the direct supervision of the
of customer data, and contribute dynamic, investment-led mobile safeguarded. Oversee and Prime Minister to develop Digital
to digital literacy, online safety, sector. Digitalize key public enforce a level playing field Thailand agenda and oversee its
innovation, entrepreneurship, services, and strengthen ICT for all operators and service implementation.
and an equitable digital society education and digital inclusion. providers, including state-
by undertaking impactful social owned enterprises, in order to
programming. ensure fair competition. Educate
consumers on safe and secure
internet usage.
15 Roles of Public, Private, and Civil sectors REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDROADMAP TO 2020
Improve UN
eGovernment ranking
(currently 102 of 193; target top 50) 133% broadband internet
penetration
Nationwide digital 100% 4G coverage
access to stable and reliable Digital
public records and services
Infrastructure GDP US $23 billion
increase of (THB 730 billion)
Public participation 100% of Thais connected
in policy decisions through
Connected Governance
and enhanced connectivity
Target top quartile of Global
to justice system eGovernment Competitiveness Index
Services
Target top quartile
Digital of Networked Readiness Index
Innovation Thailand in Top 20 in Compass
Ecosystem Global Startup Ecosystem ranking
100% Thais connected
Increased public/private
partnership for ecosystem
Nationwide access Human development
to digital knowledge and skills for Capital
livelihood
Digital 50% SME contribution to GDP
Presence of broadband, Technology for
appropriate technology, and
instruction in every public
an Equitable Enhanced security
to citizens and their assets
educational facility and
Holistic Society through digital technology
information center
Frameworks Nationwide access
Digital skills increased
across the workforce in every
for a Digital to digital knowledge and skills for
sector Thailand livelihood
100% Thais connected
Regulation allowing more
variety of secure electronic Equivalent quality
formats for e-receipts/e-tax Digital Economy laws of connection across the country
invoices and investments on IT implemented transparently and
system capacities for Revenue through public consultation
Department
Ensure future allocation of
Online Safety education spectrum through transparent and
standard for public ICT school competitive auction; independent
curriculum K-12 NBTC in place
16 Roadmap to 2020 REALIZING DIGITAL THAILANDYou can also read
