The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is working with the Department of Skill Development (DSD) and Disabilities Thailand (DTH) to conduct digital skills training for the underprivileged and people with disabilities to support their career opportunities and improve their quality of life.
The target is to reach 40,000 trainees in two years.
The NBTC signed memorandum of understanding agreements for cooperation with the two parties on Friday. The move is in line with the NBTC's second plan under its universal service obligation scheme, including supporting digital skill-building for 500,000 underprivileged people to enhance their career journey.
NBTC acting secretary-general Trairat Viriyasirikul said Thammasat University has been assigned to coordinate efforts among the DSD and DTH to bring about proper digital skill-building courses.
The telecom regulator is offering support via a budget for the training programmes, he said. This programme represents the NBTC's first effort in this scheme to promote digital skills, Mr Trairat said.
The participants chosen by the DSD and DTH number around 20,000 trainees from each group over the next two years.
"Digital skills and ICT literacy are critically needed for all people, especially from these two groups, not only to support their daily life but also to enhance their career opportunities in the digital era," he said.
Prateep Songlamyong, director-general of the DSD, said the collaboration would pave the way for digital skills training to build up knowledge and support career journeys. The move also combats social inequality for the underprivileged and people with disabilities, he said.
The training includes digital media literacy, digital marketing, security and knowledge applied to online marketplaces.
Mr Prateep said the DSD aims to equip people with digital skills that can help them improve their quality of life and help communities. The courses are conducted online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Webex, he said.
