• 
• 

Published on April 22, 2008

Jirapan Boonnoon

The Nation

Ajin Jirachiefpattana, director, Policy and Strategic Bureau of the ICT Ministry, said the strategies are aimed at supporting ICT-related research and development which will help increase the potential, competitiveness and efficiency of the Thai ICT industry and promote Thailand as the ICT hub for the Asean region.

The strategy comprises the development of ICT infrastructure nationwide; the development of a standard for government management and integration; support and development of the ICT industry in the global market; human resource development; ICT policy research and development; innovation development; and the utilisation of ICT in the government sector.

Ajin said for the development of ICT infrastructure nationwide, the ministry will implement various projects such as universal service obligation, a Metro Network, wireless services, 3G mobile phone

infrastructure and 280,000 ADSL ports.

The development standard for government management and integration will focus on developing back-office operations and integrating the communication networks of government agencies so that they are in a position to provide e-services nationwide.

The strategy for the support and development of ICT industry will focus on the development of the ICT industry so that it can compete in the global market.

Another strategy will focus on developing ICT skills within the government sector, the private sector and among the public with the aim of having an ICT literate population that can compare with the best.

Ajin said under the research and development policy, the ministry will launch various projects, such as creating an ICT Master Plan 2020.

To increase utilisation of ICT in the government sector, the ministry will set up a Government Contact Centre which will help government agencies utilise ICT to increase productivity and efficiency which in turn is expected to improve the quality of life of Thai people.

Ajin said the ICT Ministry also plans to put in place infrastructure to set up 800 ICT community centres that will provide ICT literacy.

"The ministry wants to develop and drive the ICT industry in Thailand so that the country develops to such a level that it can become the ICT hub for the region. It also wants to support government and business and help them become competitive," Ajin said.