The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) is urging the government to adopt a “single window” approach to simplify business processes for foreigners, thereby enhancing the digital-driven tourism sector in Thailand.
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) has called for the establishment of a “single window” paradigm to streamline business operations for foreigners and bolster the digital-driven tourism industry in Thailand. This initiative aims to unify data exchanges among various state agencies, enhancing the ease of doing business.
The proposed single window would function as a platform-as-a-service, operated via a centralized data portal that connects all relevant agencies. This system is expected to significantly drive travel-related products and services in the country.
Addressing the Needs of the Digital Nomad
DEPA President and Chief Executive Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin highlighted that the single window is designed to cater to the growing digital nomad sector, individuals who work online from anywhere, anytime.
“Thailand has the core potential to become a tourism hub in the region, thanks to its geographic advantages as well as the readiness of its digital infrastructure and the attractive cost of living.”
Mr. Nuttapon noted that the cost of living for foreigners in Thailand is approximately US$1,000 per month, significantly lower than the US$3,000 average in Europe.
Thailand’s Digital Infrastructure Advantage
Thailand boasts an impressive internet penetration rate of 88% per capita, with household internet penetration at 43.7%. It ranks 11th globally in home internet speed and second in ASEAN.
IMD Switzerland, a global authority on competitiveness rankings, recently reported Thailand’s outstanding performance in telecommunications infrastructure, placing the country fifth globally. This includes high telecom investment and superior internet bandwidth speed quality.
Streamlining Business Operations
Despite these advantages, foreign startups and investors have raised concerns about the challenges they face in terms of ease of doing business. Mr. Nuttapon emphasized the need for a platform-as-a-service to support the country’s digital tourism policy.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among various agencies and departments to integrate their application programming interfaces (APIs) with the central data portal. Key players in this collaboration include the Customs Department, the Immigration Bureau, the Revenue Department, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry, the Board of Investment (BoI), and the Thai Bankers’ Association. The Digital Government Development Agency could serve as the development center.
Success of ThailandCONNEX
In 2022, DEPA, in collaboration with Travizgo Technology Co, developed and launched ThailandCONNEX, a comprehensive digital tourism application platform. In its first year, ThailandCONNEX connected over 108,000 business operators and offered more than 201,000 travel-related products and services, potentially generating an economic value exceeding 12 billion baht.
A Digital Future for Thai Tourism
The growing popularity of the ThailandCONNEX platform has seen tourism operators, including accommodation providers, restaurants, and vehicle rental services, join the platform, totaling 108,659 businesses. This is regarded as a significant contribution to the recovery of the Thai tourism industry and the advancement of the country towards a digital economy and society.
DEPA’s proposal for a single window solution demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of the tourism sector. By streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility, Thailand is poised to solidify its position as a leading digital tourism destination.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
