Thailand to give nation’s SMEs a digital leg up
Thailand plans to give the nation’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a digital leg up to help improve their businesses and boost the kingdom’s economy at the same time.
Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn announced the department will include another 25 provinces in its plan to improve SME businesses, reported Bangkok Post.
The “New-normal Market Transformation” initiative, which was rolled out in 2022 with a pilot program in 10 provinces, is projected to bring in 300 million baht.
Chaiwut underlines that the scheme is aimed at supporting vendors, hawkers, stalls and SMEs with digital skills and knowledge that can be used to enhance their business competency, he said.
“The new phase focuses on 25 more provinces to help the vendors apply digital technology to meet the needs of the modern business world.
“Spearheaded by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), the first phase recorded a solid outcome. It was rolled out last year when the number of online shoppers surged.”
The 10 provinces selected for the pilot program are Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Pathom, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram.
“The project was created to develop a competitive market model catering to the needs of today’s consumers.
“The scheme is also meant to promote a sustainable and balanced digital economy and society, in line with the ministry’s development plan.
“The project has successfully revamped over 300 fresh markets.”
The 51 year old minister made known that 30,050 market owners, vendors, hawkers and SMEs have joined the campaign.
The 25 provinces included in the next phase are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Nan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Maha Sarakham, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Saraburi, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang.
According to Depa President Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, this next phase is expected to enhance business efficiency for operators by lowering costs, boosting revenue, and addressing the requirement for modern business proficiency.
“To enhance advanced digital skills and knowledge, the campaign will include five online courses and other promotional activities, such as digital technology exhibitions, business matching and the creation of a digital marketplace prototype.
“This programme is one of Depa’s eight major projects this year under the concept of Digital Infinity.
“These eight projects, supported by the Digital Economy and Society Development Fund, are intended to boost the quality of life and prepare Thailand’s transition to a digital economy and society.”
