Sven Ernst and Aukrit Unahalekhaka were among several expatriate-run software development agencies operating from Thailand’s flourishing tech ecosystem when they first set up shop there as software development agencies in Chiang Mai in 2004. Since then, however, foreign firms such as theirs have taken notice and established offices there as well.
Thailand boasts a 13,000 sq km high tech zone outside Bangkok with 5G networks and digitalized factories, and emerging technology companies like BatchLine that specialize in GxP compliance consulting for life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors.
This blog will show you about the new digital technology in Thailand
Thailand 4.0
Thailand 4.0 is an initiative designed to transform Thailand’s economy from one that relies on manufacturing existing products designed by others into one that fosters innovation, research and development, creativity, as well as green industries development. This will ultimately help ensure Thailand remains competitive against similar economies.
The plan aims to develop 10 key industries over a 20-year period. These industries include automotive, intelligent electronics, agriculture and biotechnology, aviation logistics, high wealth medical tourism as well as digital software industry and robotics. By encouraging their development the government hopes that Thailand can become an Asian hub of high technology development while acting as an economic booster.
Manat Manavutiveth, chief executive officer of True Corporation, believes new technologies hold great promise to advance Thailand’s economy and accelerate digital business sector expansion. Thai consumers have shown themselves eager to embrace digital technologies – among the top 10 countries with most active Facebook and Line users as well as an expansive 3G/4G high-speed mobile internet network.
However, in order to be successful, Thailand 4.0 requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders – this means modernising production systems, reforming education and increasing human capital quality across the board.
5G
Thailand was among the pioneering nations to commercially deploy 5G technology and is at the forefront of this technological revolution, promising transformative effects for its digital landscape. Thailand completed most of the 5G-Advanced technology verifications by 2023 and looks set to become one of the world’s pioneering mobile communication technology pioneers.
For effective adoption of next-generation applications, a country must ensure their network can support advanced capabilities like Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) and Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC). With these technologies in place, smart industrial infrastructure such as factory automation, remote telemedicine, aviation logistics and agriculture will become possible.
Thailand has taken several important steps to prepare itself for 5G technology, such as auctioning frequencies in the 700 MHz band and signing partnerships between operators and telecom equipment suppliers. Furthermore, Thailand National Broadcasting & Telecommunication Corporation (NBTC) has also been supporting 5G research at leading academic institutions throughout Thailand such as Chulalongkorn University (CMU), Chiang Mai University (CMU), Khon Kaen University (KKU) and Prince of Songkla University (PSU).
Ban Chang, a high-tech industrial park situated near U-Tapao International Airport, Map Ta Phut Industrial Zone and Ban Chang Smart City, recently unveiled a private wireless network as another indication of its readiness. This network will offer enterprises an scalable, reliable and secure infrastructure suitable for supporting Industrial IoT operations, remote telemedicine services and aviation operations; using state-of-the-art networking solutions from Nokia like Digital Automation Cloud as well as network automation/industrial digitalization edge platform MX Industrial Edge for digitalization purposes.
Digitalization
Thailand’s digitalization is essential to its future economic success. Businesses in Thailand need to shift their focus toward reaping all of the advantages offered by digital world, which could transform it into one of the leading industrial producers across Southeast Asia.
To support digitalization in Thailand, the government is taking several initiatives. These include creating a nationwide cloud hub to increase efficiency of government operations, improve security and foster innovation; developing online disaster alert systems and call alert applications as well as personal data protection centers; deploying cyber vaccine programs against potential threats; and expanding capacity of online shopping platforms against fraudulent transactions.
Thailand’s digitalization will not only boost productivity and economic growth, but will also bring many advantages for its citizens. Furthermore, Thailand will become more attractive and competitive with global investors; therefore attracting the top talent as well as competing against other Southeast Asian countries for foreign investments.
Alongside its digitalization efforts, the government is also investing in its startup ecosystem. They have implemented incubator and accelerator programs to aid startups as well as enhanced high-speed internet infrastructure that offers remote workers an ideal working environment – leading to an upsurge of digital nomads over recent years.
Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an ever more prominent force, businesses must prepare themselves for its potential impact on operations. This involves determining what areas could potentially benefit from AI use within the organization and providing enough technology for these initiatives to occur. Furthermore, it’s critical that policies for data collection, access and usage be set forth so everyone understands any associated risks.
As Artificial Intelligence has progressed rapidly, legal frameworks governing it have struggled to keep pace. Thailand has taken an important step by recognising AI as property and protecting it under copyright law – providing creators with security and clarity for their work.
Thai businesses have enthusiastically adopted artificial intelligence (AI), employing it in various applications across industries. Banks use it for electronic Know-Your-Customer regulations while retailers leverage it for customer engagement and loyalty programs. Furthermore, insurance firms use it for fraud detection purposes and to prevent money laundering.
Thailand’s AI future depends on how effectively its government and private sectors work together, especially if expectations do not match reality. If there is any discrepancies between expectations and reality, public support could wane for its digital economy – to avoid this happening the government must build trust by encouraging cooperation between academia and industry and supporting community-led projects like CyberBrain.
