Rom Hiranpruk, assistant president of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), said the project was the idea of Pathum Thani's governor a couple of years ago and it aimed to develop the province as a hub of information, science and technology in Thailand.

To support the Science City concept, which might be a hi-tech industry park, the government will facilitate utilities services, a telecom network and basic infrastructure to support businesses and industries. It will also upgrade existing infrastructure and utility services to support the hi-tech city.

As a result, the ministries will set up Science City as the science and technology centre of the nation in order to create competitiveness and efficiency in information and community technology to overseas standards. It will be easier for foreign investors to invest in Thailand.

"The Science City will improve existing infrastructure, telecommunications and utilities services and that will improve productivity to support business and manufacturers," said Rom. He said the city will also be a centre which creates research and development for business and a knowledge economy. It will not only improve the business environment of the province but also improve the quality of life of Pathum Thani people.

Pathum Thani now has 10 universities, an industrial estate, NSTDA and government agencies. It will also have a high-speed fibre-to-home network and a high standard of utilities services.

Jirapan Boonnoon

The Nation