Bangkok: This in-depth analysis of Thailand's political equation under the new, strategically-driven coalition government unfolds, along with an ASEAN Digital Outlook roadmap for the transition to the future. A robust infrastructure must be coupled with practical digital skills. Join us in exploring the opportunities and challenges Thailand must overcome to confidently stand as a leader in the ASEAN digital economy.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation in Jakarta, Indonesia, views the formation of a government by the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party as a political phenomenon where there are no true friends or permanent enemies. The Pheu Thai Party is in a position of reduced bargaining power after losing key constituencies like Chiang Mai in the election, while the Bhumjaithai Party is strategically playing its cards to maintain maximum bargaining power.
This government has been described as a "grey conservative government," a blend of various political shades. Its appeal lies in having skilled and publicly respected individuals overseeing economic and foreign policy, such as Ekniti, Supajee, and Sihasak. However, the new government faces a significant challenge in restoring relations with Cambodia, as the existing rift has people-to-people impacts and could hinder the long-term progress of ASEAN if not addressed promptly through strategic communication based on facts.
In the digital dimension, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piti, representing the ASEAN Foundation, compared preparing ASEAN people for the digital age to building a house with four key components. The foundation, AI Ready ASEAN, focuses on enabling ASEAN people to learn how to use AI ethically and responsibly. Currently, over 5.8 million people have learned through the online platform, exceeding the original target. Doors and windows, represented by A-SME, support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt AI in their businesses to unlock new opportunities.
Roofs and fences, under the Scam Ready ASEAN initiative, protect against threats from fraudsters and scammers by using psychological theories (Inoculation Theory) to build digital immunity for the public. Happiness at home, under Digital Wellness, promotes a balance between the online and real worlds for a better quality of life.
Thailand has a key strength: its comprehensive digital infrastructure and nationwide 5G network, which leads ASEAN and the world. However, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piti pointed out a "usage gap," where most Thais primarily use technology for entertainment and social media, lacking the application for self-development, income generation, or acquiring new knowledge compared to Singapore or Malaysia. Furthermore, cybersecurity issues and a lack of digital literacy hinder the full potential of technology use among the population.
A key development to watch is the push for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), in which Thailand is leading the negotiations to create the region's first digital trade agreement. Success in this area requires integrated collaboration among various ministries, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Finance. If ASEAN can harmonize digital regulations and standards, it will reduce business costs and create immense benefits for consumers in the region.
However, Dr. Piti reflected that while Thailand has a solid technological foundation, moving forward as a digital leader in the region requires government leadership to integrate policies and prepare citizens with the skills and confidence to use technology to build a truly future.