In 2023, Thailand boasted approximately 22 million homes connected to the internet, reflecting a steadily increasing trend in household internet access over recent years, as reported by Statista. This uptick is attributed to the country's expanding internet penetration and the enhanced accessibility of mobile internet, leading Thais to spend more time online.
This surge in internet usage has spurred competition among service providers like AIS, True, and dtac, who are vying to deliver superior browsing experiences to their customers. Concurrently, the Thai government is actively advocating for the adoption of 5G technology, aiming to elevate Thailand's internet infrastructure to new heights. This collective effort signifies a robust push toward improving internet access and capabilities across the nation.
At the heart of Thailand's digital expansion lies the Village Broadband Internet (Net Pracharat) project, a pivotal initiative which aims to close the digital gap by extending the National Broadband Network to reach every village across the country. This project is strategically crafted to empower local Thai communities— especially those residing in remote areas— by granting them access to broadband or high-speed internet services on par with those available in urban centers.
Village Broadband Internet Overview
The collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and the Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT) Public Company Limited saw the ambitious completion of fiber cable network installation to 24,700 targeted rural villages by December 2017. This technological advancement not only enhances connectivity but also nurtures socio-economic growth at the grassroots level.
In a further commitment to digital inclusivity, the government initiative also introduced Wi-Fi for the community, equipping these rural areas with free public Wi-Fi hotspots. These hotspots offer substantial internet speeds of 30/10 Mbps for downloading and uploading, respectively, thus enabling efficient and speedy internet access for educational, business, and personal development purposes.
As of November 2018, the project boasted approximately 4.5 million registered users, with monthly registrations swelling by 200,000 to 300,000 new users. This staggering adoption rate underscores the success of the Net Pracharat project in democratizing internet access and signifies a significant step forward in achieving digital equity, further knitting the fabric of Thai society into the global digital economy.
Recent Advances in Thailand's Village Broadband Internet Project
Building on this commitment, Thailand remains resolute in its efforts to offer complimentary broadband internet access to all villages. The objective is to elevate its digital economy from the existing 12% of GDP to 30% by the year 2027.
NDESC Secretary General, Putchapong Nodthaisong, highlighted the ongoing implementation of two phases of the plan, emphasizing the focus on building public digital infrastructure. The Village Broadband Internet (Net Pracharat) project, which aims to providing free broadband internet across rural Thailand, has already connected 74,987 villages, comprising 10.48 million people, with free broadband.
The third phase (2023-2027) aims to leverage internet usage to drive economic activity and boost digital revenue to 30% of the country's GDP. This entails improving digital inclusion rates among Thais by reducing broadband fees and increasing online literacy rates to combat cybercrime risks.
Additionally, the third phase of the digital masterplan includes implementing measures to promote 5G adoption by businesses, developing building and city-planning guidelines to support 5G infrastructure, establishing ethical standards for artificial intelligence, and leveraging low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to expand internet coverage to remote areas.
Aside from this project, as Thailand marches forward in its digital transformation journey, the government's Thailand 4.0 initiative stands as a beacon guiding the nation towards a future characterized by innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and prioritizing projects that enhance digital infrastructure and governance, Thailand is laying the foundation for a digitally empowered society where every citizen can thrive in the digital age.
However, amidst the promise of digital advancement, challenges loom on the horizon. Bridging the gap between regulation and innovation and equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape are critical tasks that demand attention. Yet, with a concerted effort from all stakeholders and a commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous learning, Thailand is poised to emerge as a leader in the global digital economy, driving sustainable growth and prosperity for generations to come.
