Thailand launches digital skills initiative
BANGKOK, THAILAND — The Thai government has launched a significant initiative to establish 1,500 digital classrooms nationwide.
The Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that these classrooms will be equipped with computers, software, and other tools to teach coding skills to students.
The project, called “Coding for Better Life: Building the Foundation for Thailand’s Future,” aims to develop at least 100,000 digital talents every year to pave the way for Thailand’s dominance in the digital economy era.
According to the DES Minister, Thailand requires around 100,000 digital professionals annually but only produces 25,000.
“If we do nothing to address this gap, our country will be in crisis,” he said.
To address the gap, the Ministry has proposed short and long-term plans. The short-term plan, which is still under review by the Cabinet, involves implementing a Global Digital Talent Visa to attract foreign experts.
In the long term, the government’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) will actively foster the development of digital skills across all segments of the population.
“We aim to extend the knowledge and coding skills for practical use across diverse domains, including agriculture and business operations, as well as provide opportunities for individuals in rural areas to gain access to coding education,” said DEPA CEO Nuttapon Nimmanpatcharin.
