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Mr Prasert Jantarawongthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), visited Thung Khru District, Bangkok, to gather insights and set guidelines for leveraging digital technology to enhance residents’ quality of life. He was joined by key officials including Mr Suthikiat Virakijpanich, Advisor to the Minister of DE; Mr Wallop Ruchirakorn, Secretary to the Minister of DE; and Ms Sukanyani Yawincharn, Inspector-General of the Ministry of DE. During the visit, Mr Prasert highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Bangkok Metropolitan Council to enhance Bangkok’s digital economy and society.
The delegation also met with the Director of the Islamic College of Thailand to discuss integrating digital technology into the school, focusing on implementing emergency warning systems, installing CCTV cameras, and deploying IoT systems. These systems, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), are designed to analyse potential risks and provide real-time alerts to prevent and address emergencies, thus enhancing school safety and security.
Moreover, the Ministry plans to improve internet coverage to ensure students have access to reliable online resources for educational purposes. This initiative addresses the critical need for digital infrastructure in educational institutions, promoting digital literacy and providing students with the tools they need for academic success.
Community members expressed the necessity of enhancing internet connectivity, especially for weekly religious gatherings. The current internet infrastructure needs to be improved, and there is a strong demand for improved and comprehensive network coverage to support the community’s digital needs.
The Ministry of Digital Economy also inspected the Community Digital Centre within the Bangkok Vocational Training School (Athorn Sangkha Wattana). This centre is a pivotal hub for the community, serving diverse users, including older people, students from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), and the general public. It offers essential digital services and training, contributing significantly to the community’s digital empowerment.
Based on the discussions, several enhancements were proposed. These include adjusting service hours to better accommodate the community’s needs and introducing more practical training courses alongside theoretical ones to foster career development. Critical applications like the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDEC) app, the “Tang Rat” app, and the One Family One Softpower (OFOS) app will be utilised to support these training programmes.
These digital tools have already enabled the creation of innovative products, such as local fabric designs (Bang Mot orange and Dok Thong Urai), PM 2.5 air quality measuring devices, and robotic technologies.
Mr Prasert highlighted the importance of this integrated approach: “The Ministry of Digital Economy and the Bangkok Metropolitan Council have combined their efforts to enhance the quality of life in Thung Khru District. With its rich cultural diversity and educational hubs, this district is an ideal model for developing Bangkok’s digital economy and society. Our mission is to use digital technology to improve telecommunications infrastructure, provide education, ensure security, and reduce digital inequality, creating job opportunities and fostering career growth.”
The Ministry recognises the vital role of community digital centres as accessible technology service points within communities nationwide. These centres are poised to become key information service hubs, aiding the government in implementing the Digital Wallet policy.
The visit to Thung Khru District underscores the Ministry’s commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents through strategic deployment of digital technologies. The initiatives discussed and implemented during this visit are set to serve as a blueprint for other districts, promoting a digitally inclusive society that leverages technology for safety, education, and economic development.
