New Effort Aims to Simplify Digital Policy

Thailand's Digital Governance Overhaul

Thailand is taking significant steps to streamline its digital governance structure. Policatively, there has been an agreement in principle to transfer the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) back under the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry. This move aims to unify the country's digital policy direction and create a more cohesive approach to digital development.

Boonthida Somchai, the deputy DES minister, mentioned that this proposal emerged from discussions between DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob and Prime Minister's Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul. The DGA currently operates under the Prime Minister's Office, but the new plan seeks to bring it under the DES Ministry's umbrella. This shift is intended to align Thailand's digital development under a single policy framework, which could enhance efficiency in driving national digital initiatives.

The DGA is responsible for advancing digital government services and infrastructure. It was placed under the Prime Minister's Office during the former military government led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Now, the focus is on ensuring that these responsibilities are centralized within the DES Ministry.

According to Ms. Boonthida, the next phase involves gathering stakeholder opinions for submission to the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission. This commission will assess the structural and administrative implications of the transfer. Legal coordination between the Prime Minister's Office and the DGA is also necessary to ensure compliance with all regulatory frameworks.

A source from the DES Ministry, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the proposal will subsequently be forwarded to the Public Organization Development and Promotion Commission. Deliberations are expected in early May. If endorsed, the ministry will seek cabinet approval in principle before proceeding to draft a royal decree to support the transfer.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Council of State for consideration within two months. The goal is to complete the transfer ahead of fiscal 2027. While no definitive timeline has been set, authorities are committed to expediting the process.

"The restructuring is seen as a critical step in strengthening Thailand's digital governance and ensuring more cohesive execution of its digital economy strategy," said Ms. Boonthida.

This move aligns with the DES Ministry's policy of One Map, which seeks to centralize all core digital infrastructure and policy-driven procedures through the ministry. The ministry recently embarked on a major strategic overhaul to position itself as the nation's centralised connection. This effort aims to fortify Thailand against global uncertainties, cyberthreats, and natural disasters while ensuring transparent welfare distribution.

The ministry is revising the five-year National Action Plan for Digital Economy and Society, which is set to run through 2027. This revision is part of a broader effort to ensure that Thailand remains competitive in the digital age.