As Thailand moves towards digital transformation, the country’s telecom watchdog is tackling the challenge of transforming key economic sectors.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced several initiatives to bring Thailand closer to full-scale digitalization. NBTC disclosed its plans at Fossasia Summit 2025, attracting major players to the open source space.
In his keynote address, NBTC Chairman Pachala Nariptafan revealed plans to revolutionize the government’s procurement process. Today, Thailand’s procurement process is hampered by red tape bureaucracy and multiple regulations, employing emerging technologies and imposing the achievement of digitalization.
Naripthaphan wants to integrate advanced tools and artificial intelligence (AI) into existing procurement processes. Executives want more transparency and efficiency in the processes provided by emerging technologies such as blockchain. This allows the country to eliminate government overexpenditures and unnecessary delays.
“For example, open mapping or street mapping development projects that have been advocated by the private sector over the past two years have encountered challenges within the government procurement process,” Nariptafan said.
Apart from the integration of AI and rolling out the Big Data Initiative, NBTC has developed an open access plan and advocates for citizens to own part of the state management system.
The committee did not fully elaborate on the open access plan, but experts say the NBTC could adopt ideas from a new governance standard, decentralized autonomous organization (DAO).
Achieving full-scale digitalization requires a great deal of effort from the NBTC, but Nalipta fans are optimistic that Thailand can achieve this goal by increasing public awareness and knowledge about AI and other emerging technologies. In line with this, he shared plans to embed AI courses in the education system and deepen the talent pool.
Additionally, NBTC advocates open source standards for emerging technologies and AI, in line with its goal of becoming a leader in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the nation moves towards strengthening digitalization, the committee argues that integration of emerging technologies into the payment sector will encourage a more efficient transition. In January, authorities moved forward with government-supported stubcoins for the country, while announcing a digital currency pilot tailored for Phuket’s tourists.
The rollout of the $14 billion digital currency handout to citizens demonstrates a clear intention to embrace new technologies. Outside of Web3, governments are working together to work hard while employing AI tools while companies compete to integrate large-scale language models (LLMs) into their businesses.
Taiwan’s small and medium-sized enterprises welcome new technologies
Elsewhere in Asia, the adoption of China’s emerging technologies has impacted neighbourhoods that benefit Taiwan-backed businesses, particularly those that benefit.
Nearly 100 companies making big investments from Taiwan in Xiamen, China, are enjoying the benefits of digitalization, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeing an increase in productivity and efficiency levels.
Xiamen participates in a small number of cities selected by Chinese authorities to test emerging technology integration for small and medium-sized enterprises. Since giving the pilot a nod, local businesses have taken part in the first experiment, with Taiwan-backed companies on the forefront.
This report highlights real-life use cases of advanced machines and intelligent robots in small business operations. In one example, a Taiwan-sponsored circuit board manufacturer improved existing processes using robotics and automated pickers in motion designed for efficiency.
The manufacturing process was previously complicated, but recent integration reduced the production process to a streamlined procedure that only four employees were needed.
“They led us to build digital systems, process conversion and some intelligent analyses,” said one small business owner. “Our production efficiency has improved from about 10% to 15 times.”
Xiamen’s Taiwanese companies are not small and medium-sized enterprises participating in the pilot. The large number of local Chinese companies are turning to emerging technologies to improve their operations.
The use of robots and AI in small and medium-sized business customer care is constantly increasing. Meanwhile, technical staff are looking for solutions to increase productivity and are looking for the Internet of Things (IoT) to expand their capabilities.
“We are helping over 30 companies complete digital assessments, and over 20 companies complete special transformations and effectively helping companies resolve low production efficiency and quality control issues,” read the government’s statement.
Taiwan is replicating Chinese digital drives and turning its eyes to emerging technologies and AI for its conversion. Recently, the country has announced the upcoming release of its National Digital Wallet in line with existing Money Laundering (AML) rules.
Additionally, the Taiwanese government has allocated $94 million to integrate advanced technology into national disaster preparedness. Despite this warm embrace, authorities have taken a tough stance against non-compliant businesses, rolling out sudden fines for defaulters and prison conditions.
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