Agency seeks to better e-government ranking

The Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) is targeting the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) ranking for Thailand reaching 40th globally by 2027, up from 53rd at present, with data-driven platforms supporting the government’s smart nation and smart life schemes.

The move is being framed as part of the country’s development using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, in line with the second draft of the “Digital e-Government Development Plan of Thailand” for 2023 to 2027.

The DGA aims to support digital transformation for another 400 local administrative organisations (LAOs) by the end of this year.

Some 56 LAOs were the first batch subject to digital transformation development since 2021.

There are a total of 7,850 tambon and provincial administrative organisations across the country that need to have access to digital solutions, said Supot Tiarawut, executive director of the DGA.

The local units need to be able to provide e-services supported with AI-based technology in the future, he said.

The DGA yesterday announced its “smart connector DNA” that aims to improve the lives of people, as well as a strategy to modernise the organisation’s image and provide easy access to government services.

“It’s not just about technology implementation. DGA focuses on creating corporate values to elevate people’s lifestyles,” said Mr Supot.

The DGA launched a mobile application as a citizen service portal called “Thang Rush” or governmental access in 2021. The app can be download via iOS and Play Store.

There are 80 state services connected on the app, with cumulative usage tallying more than 3.8 million times by the end of 2022.

In addition, small and mediumsized enterprises can contact government services in order to acquire 95 licences through bizportal.go.th, which makes it easier for them to start a business.

“These developments can help improve Thailand’s ranking in EGDI,” he said.

The EGDI ranks e-government development of UN member states. It is a composite measure of three facets of e-government: provision of online services, telecom connectivity, and human capacity.

Mr Supot said pushing Thailand to become a full-fledged digital government requires continuous development.

The DGA recently presented a draft digital e-government development plan for 2023-27.

The draft plan was approved by the National Economic and Social Development Council.

He said the goal this year is for government to promote public participation and public disclosure of information, while developing services that are convenient, easy to use and accessible to people and businesses such as a one-stop system.

‘‘ The goal this year is for government to promote public participation and public disclosure of information. SUPOT TIARAWUT Executive director, Digital Government Development Agency