Thailand unveils Digital Thailand plan
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Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a 20-year Digital Thailand development program that seeks to transform the nation into a global digital leader.
Government spokesperson Major-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that the first phase of the plan would focus on six areas – infrastructure, economy, society, government, human resource development and trust.
The first 18 months will be of digital foundation followed by digital inclusion and full transformation.
Major General Sansern said that in ten years, thanks to this plan, Thailand will be a developed country and a global digital leader.
Elsewhere Thailand’s National Reform Committee has recommended that police be given full powers to censor and shut down websites without a court order as part of its reform of online media to ensure all media is legal and moral.
Other key recommendations include using big data analytics to identify networks of perpetrators on social media networks and centralization of power with the Police Technology Crime Suppression Division instead of the ICT Ministry.
The NRC also recommended that computer crimes be divided into crimes on computers and data, and crimes using computers.
Questions & Answers
Q.What are the initial focus areas for the Digital Thailand development programme?
What are the initial focus areas for the Digital Thailand development programme?
The first phase of the plan will concentrate on six key areas: infrastructure, economy, society, government, human resource development, and building trust. This initial stage forms the digital foundation for the country's transformation.
Q.How long does Thailand expect it will take to become a global digital leader under this plan?
How long does Thailand expect it will take to become a global digital leader under this plan?
According to Major-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the government spokesperson, Thailand aims to become a developed country and a global digital leader within ten years as a result of implementing this comprehensive plan.
Q.What new powers have been recommended for the police regarding online content?
What new powers have been recommended for the police regarding online content?
The National Reform Committee has recommended that the police be granted full authority to censor and shut down websites without needing a court order. This is part of reforms to ensure all online media is legal and moral.
Q.Which body is recommended to have centralised power over technology crimes?
Which body is recommended to have centralised power over technology crimes?
The National Reform Committee recommended centralising power with the Police Technology Crime Suppression Division for technology crimes. This would shift authority away from the ICT Ministry regarding these types of offences.
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