Not only are value sales of smartphones and tablets expected to exceed those of
PCs (both desktops and laptops) for the first time in 2012, according to Frost &
Sullivan, but the Thai government is negotiating with such Chinese companies as
Lenovo and LTE regarding a bulk order of 860,000 tablet computers.
According to education minister Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech, the ministry will
give tablet personal computers to all Grade 1 students, with the aim of expanding
educational opportunities. It is also likely to help create an unprecedented digital
generation. Meanwhile, local manufacturer Forth Corp. is planning to launch a tablet costing as little as THB4,000 (US$130) during March 2012, also aimed at the educational
market. It is forecasting between 30,000 and 40,000 unit sales during the first 12 months.