The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) and the Telecommunications Association of Thailand have signed an agreement to accelerate the spread and usage of 5G across as many business sectors as possible.
The memorandum of understanding on cooperation was signed on Friday, witnessed by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn.
Association president Vichaow Rakphongphairoj said the cooperation is needed to propel 5G tech adoption, which should strengthen various industrial sectors and accelerate the development of 5G so it can be applied to businesses in practice.
He said it is vital to create a comprehensive 5G ecosystem, which requires cooperation from all sectors.
The cooperation is a major starting point to drive 5G tech utilisation by various industrial sectors, create new investment and improve people's quality of life for long-term growth, Mr Vichaow said.
The association has around 90 active members.
"The association will encourage members to cooperate on related projects as much as possible, regardless of whether they are 5G service providers, device manufacturers or others interested in serving as an intermediary player to coordinate efforts among members in the organisation," he said.
The first project under the cooperation will promote 5G deployment through targeted industries, such as the manufacturing, logistics and tourism sectors.
The cooperation will also broaden to cover other sectors that would be a boon for the country's future economic and social drive, Mr Vichaow said.
Depa president and chief executive Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said the agency attaches importance to building a network of partners capable of utilising and integrating 5G tech, which can level up the country's competitive advantages.
The government is also working to foster an innovation ecosystem, including establishing the Thailand Digital Valley project in Chon Buri and the 5G Ecosystem Innovation Centre at Depa's headquarters.
Mr Nuttapon said the cooperation confirms the country's readiness to apply 5G tech to various sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, public health, tourism and service industries. These 5G tech solutions could be promoted further in the region, he said.
Cooperation between the government and private and education sectors, both domestically and internationally, is needed to help tackle obstacles and bring about necessary regulations that can potentially accelerate 5G development in the country, said Mr Nuttapon.
