Thailand 4.0 is an ambitious vision involving the fourth stage of economic development that is meant to transform Thailand’s economy and society by technological innovation.
In Stage 4.0 the economy is to be transformed from an industry-driven economy to one driven by innovation. For example agriculture must become more modern, adopting new technologies which are expected to enrich farmers. Small and medium enterprises must transform themselves into smart enterprises and startups making use of new technologies. The service sector should concentrate upon high value services rather than the low value services prevalent at present.
The 4.0 program intends to use public-private partnerships as a model. To achieve this Thailand must have quality communications and telecom infrastructure so that sectors may have smooth connectivity. All sectors must join in building 4.0 if the transformation of Thailand’s economy is to be successful.
The Big Bang
The Big Bang 2017 exhibition brought together more than 120 companies engaged in digital technology to share their insights into transformation. The event took place at Challenger Hall in Muang Thong Thani a satellite city of Bangkok, with special facilities for large conferences at Impact.
The Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said: “Digital Thailand Big Bang 2017 is the milestone event which propels the whole nation into the digital era. It is organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and co-organised by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). ” He said that the government had maximised the use of digital technology in three aspects.
The Big Three
First it has been used to create new opportunities for economic growth as well as improving the delivery of government services to the people. The Pracha Rat Internet had provided high speed Internet access to 74,700 communities within a year. The government was aiming to apply technology so that people can run their businesses online.
E-health developments would allow swift information exchange between experts and individuals. E-education offers many opportunities for distance learning for people in remote and rural areas. E-agriculture would help farmers become entrepreneurs. Finally e-service would serve as a central information center that would make it easier for people to obtain public services.
Secondly, a large Digital Park Thailand is slated to be built in Sri Racha, Chon Buri as the center of the Eastern Economic Corridor. It will give support for the Internet of Things (IoT) to local tech startups. It will also provide smart city initiatives. Through helping to develop smart cities Digital Park will improve the quality of life and the local environment and help the country use resources more efficiently.
Thirdly, the government will increase global connectivity by facilitating through international cooperation the setting up of digital platforms. The government is developing a one-stop service related to setting up business. The government intends to improve the ease with which global partners can do business.
The Chinese tech giant Huawei set out plans for 10 major Thai industries including energy and agriculture: “The company showcases its products and solutions including Smart City, Smart Energy, Smart Parking, Digital Railway, Smart Airport, Smart Government, Smart Agriculture, among others, at its booth at the Digital Thailand Big Bang, the largest digital technology expo in Southeast Asia.”
Qiang Hua, managing director of Huawei Thailand said that Huawei had been working on a strategy called Embrace Digital Life that was consistent with the theme of the Big Bang conference and would contribute to Thailand 4.0. The conference took place from September 21 to 24.
