Bangkok: Unlock Big Data! The Cabinet approves draft regulations on "digital data sharing," creating seamless connectivity between government sectors to address crises across Thailand. Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet meeting approved the principles of the draft Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Digital Data Sharing. The key points are: establishing mechanisms for sharing, exchanging, linking, and integrating data among government agencies; for example, establishing a central system for data sharing; and setting criteria, conditions, and methods for data sharing. This will enable government agencies to efficiently create and possess digital data among themselves, promoting good data management in line with good governance principles, in accordance with the government's goals and policies in public administration and legal reform, particularly the "Prompt Government" initiative, for the benefit of national administration.
According to Thai News Agency, Thailand is currently leveraging big data and advanced information technology to drive its digital economy policy aimed at improving the country's economic and social conditions. However, challenges persist, slowing data sharing between government agencies and hindering the effective utilization of data resources for analytical purposes to enhance public administration. The government has identified an "urgent need" for a data management mechanism to handle emergencies requiring immediate disaster management and to prepare for potential long-term disasters and emergencies.
The draft regulations of the Prime Minister's Office concerning digital data sharing contain key provisions such as defining terms related to digital data, the central system for data sharing, and the office of the "Public Organization for Big Data" (PGO). Government agencies are required to acquire, possess, transmit, or link digital data in accordance with the Act on Digital Government Administration and other relevant laws. Upon request, this must be completed within 90 days of receiving the request for data access. The regulations also define cases in which government agencies may refuse to share all or part of the analyzed data to minimize damage to national security or international relations.
Furthermore, the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDESC) is mandated to establish a central system for data sharing, including defining the criteria, conditions, and methods for managing digital data shared with the NDESC by government agencies, as well as detailing the duties and powers of the commission. The composition of the Digital Information Sharing Promotion Committee, including its powers and duties such as issuing regulations and announcements and providing advice, is also outlined.
Additionally, transitional provisions require government agencies like the Royal Irrigation Department, the Meteorological Department, the Department of Provincial Administration, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to link their information systems with the central data sharing system within 60 days of the regulation taking effect. Agencies not ready must notify within 15 days for discussion and agreement to proceed with preparations.
"The draft regulations will be a key mechanism to reduce the steps and time required for proposing legislation, making it more streamlined and enabling faster enforcement by government agencies. This will allow for timely responses to situations requiring urgent cross-agency data integration to support government decision-making," the Prime Minister's spokesperson stated.