Bangkok: "Supajee" has initiated an event to improve data connectivity among 320 government agencies, aiming to phase out the use of paper documents and develop a secure data system to foster investor confidence and advance towards OECD membership.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, presided over the launch of the event titled "Upgrading Digital Government: Driving the Linkage of Corporate Data under the Concept of Unlocking Government Data and Reducing the Burden on the Public." Ms. Supajee emphasized the commitment of 320 government agencies to exchange data digitally, eliminating the need for paper documents and transitioning to efficient, transparent, and accurate digital services. This initiative aims to unlock the country's potential and modernize the Thai economy.
Mr. Supajee highlighted the necessity for the public sector to adapt in three key areas. First, technology must be embraced as a necessity for survival, facilitating borderless operations and enhancing self-reliance. He cautioned that with easy accessibility comes risk, underscoring the need for robust security regulations in this technological shift.
Ms. Supajee acknowledged the burden paper documents impose on citizens accessing government services. The integration of data from 320 agencies aims to expedite public services. According to data from the Department of Business Development, linking business data could save 19 million sheets of paper annually, reducing the need to cut down over 2,000 trees and significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative also aims to save time for the public and private sectors, enabling them to focus on other activities without the need for physical visits to government agencies. This transition is expected to allow civil servants to better assist the public and enhance their skills.
Ms. Supajee noted that building investor confidence is crucial. By utilizing technology for high-value tasks, the government can provide faster, transparent, and verifiable services. Accurate and timely access to data will assure investors of the system's precision and efficiency.
The third focus is elevating Thailand to meet global standards, aligning with the goal of joining the OECD by 2028. The government has been working towards this since 2018, with approximately 180 agencies already linked and 140 more awaiting integration.
Ms. Supajee reiterated the government's goal to transform public agencies into citizen and business-centric service providers, promoting transparency and good governance, and ensuring data management meets international standards to enhance competitiveness and drive economic growth.
Today's event marks a significant milestone in integrating government data, easing citizen burdens, and eliminating the need for document copies nationwide. Appreciation was extended to the Office of the Civil Service Commission, the Digital Government Development Agency, and the Department of Business Development for their roles in this initiative.
The Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of Business Development, is committed to advancing digital government services. From July 1, 2026, all government agency data requests regarding legal entities will be conducted digitally, enforcing the use of digital data systems across all agencies.