Thailand needs an "integrated digital ecosystem" in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to drive the country towards a digital economy, says the ICT minister.
To achieve this goal, greater collaboration between the national telecom regulator and private telecom-related associations is needed, said Uttama Savanayana.
An integrated digital ecosystem will remedy the current fragmented and ineffective digital environment and create integrated and cross-platform digital strategies for the regulator and ICT-related agencies.
Speaking yesterday at a forum entitled "Countdown to the 4G auctions — driving towards the digital economy", Mr Uttama said the imminent fourth-generation (4G) spectrum auctions will be vital to the development of the digital economy.
The 4G auctions will lead to the aggressive rollout of high-speed wireless broadband networks, a key component in the country's hard infrastructure development.
"Personally, I believe the 4G spectrum auctions will go ahead as planned without further delay, as the auctions will benefit all sectors," said Mr Uttama.
He also said the development of the hard infrastructure would not be enough to accomplish Thailand's digital economy goals.
Innovation and creative digital content and products are important factors in the development of a digital economy.
Mr Uttama said his ministry planned to outline stages in the development of the integrated digital ecosystem next year. "Thailand is set to become a digital infrastructure hub in Asean by 2020," he added.
He is in talks with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and the Telecommunications Association of Thailand about the development of the telecom industry, Mr Uttama said.
Reallocating telecom frequencies and implementing a digital economy roadmap are the key issues under discussion.
The ICT Ministry has outlined a draft five-year master plan for the development of the country's economic and digital society, expected to be implemented in 2016, he said.
He acknowledged that the major challenge facing Thailand is how to attract global technology firms to invest in the country's digital infrastructure.