The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and COM7 BUSINESS have announced a collaboration to drive the Thailand Digital Catalog and Thailand's digital content industry. This partnership aims to facilitate both businesses and individuals seeking high-quality digital technologies at reasonable prices tailored to their specific needs. Digital entrepreneurs can now expand their reach into the private sector and more easily access government markets. Additionally, the partnership will showcase a list of digital entrepreneurs registered in the Thailand Digital Catalog, along with detailed information, on the screens of BaNANA stores in leading department stores for the public to browse.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa, and Mr. Phakpoom Setarath, Chief Operating & People Officer of COM7 BUSINESS, announced the collaboration to drive the Thailand Digital Catalog and Thailand's digital content industry, witnessed by Ms. Pornpen Kaewsuraphol, Education & Enterprise Director, and Mr. Sittiwat Vechayaphan, Head of Cloud & Enterprise Solution of COM7 BUSINESS, along with Mr. Chatchai Kunpitiluck, Senior Executive Vice President, and Dr. Chinnawut Chinaprayoon, Executive Vice President of depa.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon revealed that the Thailand Digital Catalog is one of the mechanisms to elevate Thailand's digital economy. It compiles digital products and services from Thai digital startups and service providers, serving as a filter for products and services that meet the complete requirements and standards of dSURE (Digital Sure), a standard set by depa for certified software and hardware, including security standards and cybersecurity. It ensures that data is stored domestically and securely, with clear, reliable pricing that complies with the regulations of the Comptroller General's Department.
Furthermore, the Thailand Digital Catalog facilitates both businesses and individuals seeking digital products or services, and the expenses can be deducted from taxes up to 200%. Government agencies looking to adopt digital technology to improve public services can procure products and services registered in the Thailand Digital Catalog using the specific method without a budget limit, subject to the conditions specified in the Ministerial Regulation on Government Procurement and Procurement Methods for Goods and Services that the State Wishes to Promote or Support (No. 4) B.E. 2566 of the Ministry of Finance.
"This collaboration between depa and COM7 BUSINESS will enable the public seeking solutions to easily access and select high-quality digital products and services at reasonable prices suitable for their specific needs. At the same time, it will benefit digital entrepreneurs who can expand into the private sector and more easily access government markets. Currently, there are over 400 products and services registered in the Thailand Digital Catalog," said the President/CEO of depa.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon added that beyond the Thailand Digital Catalog, this collaboration aims to promote Thailand's digital content industry, especially the gaming industry. depa and COM7 BUSINESS believe that the growth of the gaming industry will drive the growth of the computer and smart device markets. Therefore, depa and COM7 BUSINESS will move forward in driving the gaming industry alongside the computer and smart device markets, as well as raising public awareness.
Mr. Phakpoom stated that this collaboration with depa will create awareness of the Thailand Digital Catalog and attract the general public and businesses seeking digital products and services to easily access the digital service account through the presentation of a list of digital entrepreneurs registered in the Thailand Digital Catalog, along with details of various technologies on the screens of BaNANA stores in leading department stores. Additionally, it promotes the Thai digital industry that uses cloud services of legal entities registered in the country, such as Amazon Web Services, to receive maximum benefits.
Moreover, depa has launched an awesome project like the CONNEXION project, which aims to enhance knowledge and develop new digital skills for Thai people, particularly the unemployed and recent graduates seeking job opportunities. The project prepares individuals for new careers in the digital era and is crucial for the Thai e-commerce industry, including roles such as content creators and influencers, as well as other related professions such as organizers, designers, voice actors, and storytellers.
Another initiative is the Digital Tourism project, which involves the development of ThailandCONNEX. This platform serves as a Business-to-Business (B2B) wholesale intermediary for Thai tourism operators, enabling them to access and present their products and services to Online Travel Agents (OTAs) both domestically and internationally. The platform aims to enhance competitive capabilities, increase global tourist access for operators, reduce reliance on foreign platforms, and create added value for the Thai tourism industry. The project has been successful, with over 100,000 tourism operators, including accommodation businesses, restaurants, and vehicle rental services, participating in ThailandCONNEX. The platform features more than 200,000 tourism products and services and has generated an economic value of at least 12 billion baht.