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Thailand is embarking on a transformative journey towards a digital economy with the initiation of its digital wallet program, marking a significant milestone in its national AI strategy and aspiration to become a digital economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
According to reports from the Bangkok Post, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry’s National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) has been entrusted with ensuring the security of the wallet rollout initiative. This scheme aims to distribute 10,000 baht (approximately US$270) to 50 million Thai citizens.
Concurrently, the Digital Government Agency (DGA) will oversee digital ID registration through its “Tang Rat” app, which has already garnered 1.2 million downloads. While interoperability between Tang Rat and the digital wallet is anticipated, specific details on their integration are yet to be disclosed.
Officials from the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) highlight the progress made in developing e-services, with 1,626 out of 2,376 government services now available digitally. The introduction of digital IDs is expected to enhance citizen access, with the DES aiming for 50 percent adoption this year and full adoption by 2025.
In a parallel endeavor, the DES is forging ahead with plans to establish a new national AI committee to drive the second phase of the national AI strategy. DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced at the Huawei Digital and Intelligence APAC Congress 2024 that the committee is slated for establishment by June. Concurrently, efforts will be directed towards formulating regulations and guidelines governing the ethical use of AI.
Minister Jantararuangtong emphasizes Thailand’s commitment to leveraging digital and intelligence technologies to fortify the digital economy, enhancing competitiveness, efficiency of electronic transactions, and nurturing a digital-savvy workforce.
Noteworthy digital transformation initiatives under the DES include the Cloud First Policy, promoting government cloud deployment, security standards, and procurement guidelines. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop a large language model based on the Thai language.
Further insights from the Huawei conference in Bangkok, as reported by Business Korea, underscore the region’s emergence as a beacon of digital development. Simon Lin, president of Huawei’s Asia-Pacific Region, hails the ASEAN’s strides in digital economic development, while Sabrina Meng, Huawei’s CFO and Deputy Chairwoman of the Board, positions the Asia-Pacific as a model for global digital transformation efforts.
The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) stands as a pioneering agreement, encompassing digital ID, payments, data flows, and trade, setting a precedent for digital cooperation and integration on a regional scale.
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