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Mr Teerawut Thongphak, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee (NCDC), has inaugurated a series of training activities designed to bolster the digital skills of the Thai population. These efforts aim to transform citizens into proficient digital users capable of navigating and thriving in a technology-driven world. This initiative forms a part of a larger project that surveys the media literacy and information status across Thailand.
Mr Teerawut delivered a lecture titled “Digital and Raising the Standard of People’s Quality of Life,” where he emphasised the transformative power of digital technology in enhancing everyday living standards.
The digital literacy course specifically tailored for the elderly is designed to equip them with crucial skills for the digital age. The training session was structured into two main parts. The morning session concentrated on theoretical learning, covering essential topics such as understanding digital technology, cyber security, and information literacy. This session emphasised the importance of digital comprehension for Thai citizens, particularly the elderly, who often face significant challenges adapting to the digital landscape. Topics included safe digital technology usage, cyber security awareness, and effective social media utilisation.
The participants also engaged with various digital applications to support their daily lives. This practical session aimed to increase the elderly’s comfort level with digital tools, fostering a sense of independence and enhancing their quality of life. Participants gained valuable insights into how digital technology can be seamlessly integrated into their daily routines, from communication to accessing essential services.
In 2024, the NCDC aims to train 1,000 elderly individuals nationwide. By 2027, the target is to elevate the digital competency of Thai citizens to achieve an average evaluation score of 80. This comprehensive approach reflects Thailand’s commitment to fostering a digitally literate population, ensuring that all age groups, including the elderly, are not left behind in the digital transformation.
The training programme is a strategic effort to raise digital literacy standards across Thailand. The training activities spearheaded by the NCDC represent a significant step towards creating a digitally inclusive society in Thailand. By focusing on the elderly, the initiative ensures that digital literacy efforts are comprehensive and far-reaching, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for all Thai citizens in the digital age. The programme also highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptation as digital technologies evolve rapidly.
Moreover, this initiative serves as a model for other countries aiming to enhance digital literacy among their populations. It showcases the benefits of targeted training programmes that address the unique needs of specific demographic groups. The success of this programme could inspire similar efforts globally, fostering a more digitally inclusive world.
As Thailand continues to advance its digital literacy initiatives, sustained efforts and support from various stakeholders will be crucial. Collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, and community organisations will ensure the programme’s success and scalability. Additionally, continuous participant feedback will help refine and improve the training modules, making them more effective and relevant.
The digital literacy training activities initiated by the NCDC are paving the way for a digitally inclusive future in Thailand. By equipping older people with essential digital skills, the programme is enhancing their quality of life and fostering greater social cohesion and empowerment. As Thailand progresses towards its ambitious goals, these efforts will contribute to a more connected, informed, and resilient society.