A new report revealed that Thailand has stepped up its game in Internet of Things (IoT) projects as part of the country's initiative that will transform the economy into one based on technology and innovation.
According to Thailand Business News, the country's Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) signed Memoranda of Agreement (MoUs) with some of Southeast Asia's most trusted IoT experts. The agreements were made between DEPA and Gobi Partners, Ascent Solutions, Willowmore, and UnaBiz.
The said companies are known for providing global IoT solutions to interested institutions and agencies. Venture investing is also one of the main expertise of these tech firms. Thailand is just one of the many countries that approached the above tech behemoths for IoT assistance.
Industry analysts noted that the move was part of the Thai government's Thailand 4.0 policy wherein the economy will be guided towards tech-centered and value-based economic activities. The grand scheme is also looking to improve DEPA's Digital Park Thailand project.
"These partnerships will strengthen and enhance Thailand's resources and help us gain a competitive position in the IoT industry within the Asean market. Ultimately, these agreements will improve the lives of the Thai people," DEPA senior executive vice president, Dr. Passakon Prathombutr, said.
Founder and CEO of UnaBiz, Henri Bong, said Thailand is one of the most suitable markets in the ASEAN region for developing a wide range of digital capabilities. Bong said the Thai market can open opportunities in improving industrial automation, tourism, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Thai government continues to explore ways to improve its innovative scheme. It was revealed on Wednesday that Thailand is currently in talks with Armenia in a partnership that will create platforms for the two countries to develop digital and IT (information technology) programs.
Tech chiefs from Armenia and Thailand are said to have met during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum in Geneva to discuss the possibility of transforming the latter into a high-tech economy. Talks are still in the early stages but the two sides agreed to create a platform where future cooperation will be established.
Meanwhile, a recent poll by Dentsu Aegis Network suggested that Thai communities have mixed insights into the digital economy. According to the Bangkok Post, the survey recorded only 59 percent of Thai internet users believe that their basic needs are being met.
Furthermore, the poll revealed that 63 percent of the surveyed people believe their self-fulfillment needs are met digitally while 75 percent said their social needs are being fulfilled by the digital economy.
The lowest figures were recorded under the psychological needs category, with only 27 percent saying digital technologies are able to support psychologically-related issues. Industry experts said the poll's results could be a call on further improving Thailand's digital economy and innovative programs.
