Upon hearing that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched an initiative to make Bangkok's old town in the Rattanakosin area a smart city, I became curious. What does the agency have in mind when it thinks of "smart city"?
More importantly, the BMA's credits in old town management is next to zero. The agency tends to use a heavy-handed approach in dealing with older communities. There are allegations that it has no understanding when it comes to the old town and residents and that unfortunately, is blamed for its demolition of more than a few old communities and markets.
Read more: TH: 'Smart city' plan or is it the eve of destruction?
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is delighted with the improvement in Thailand's rankings on the United Nations' E-Government Development Index (EGDI), which went up to 57th this year from 73rd in 2018, government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Sunday.
The index ranks countries based on their governments' deployment of technology to provide services for its citizens. The assessment, which is conducted every two years, is based on three components, namely the scope and quality of online services, status of telecommunication infrastructure and quality of human capacity.
Pattaya has unveiled a five-year roadmap for its technological transformation into a 'smart city', creating a hub for economic, investment, and tourism activity.
The 'Neo Pattaya' strategy is designed to create new opportunities for all Pattaya residents, as well as improving its environment and serving its multicultural community.
Read more: TH: Pattaya reveals drone-powered strategy for smart city
Localities would get treatment by 2022
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has set an ambitious goal to turn 100 cities nationwide into smart cities in two years to improve the economy and quality of life in line with the 20-year national strategy plan.
Cities in six provinces plus Bangkok have begun the process of transforming into smart cities. The provinces are Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao.
- With the pandemic interfering with 5G rollout plans in ASEAN, Thailand took the surprising lead with commercial 5G networks introduced before their neighbors
- COVID-19 helped accelerate commercial 5G rollouts, kicking off with hospitals in major cities around Thailand
- The top network operators are now introducing 5G in other commercial districts including shopping malls and the financial district
2020 was looking like the year 5G exploded across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, and Southeast Asia in particular.
Read more: Thailand soars ahead with 5G rollout in Southeast Asia