The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), through depa and in collaboration with partner networks, has launched the depa ESPORTS project under the concept PLAYGROUND FOR THE FUTURE. This initiative aims to create an Esports Sandbox to establish a strong foundation for the ecosystem, encourage Thai society to understand and accept esports, and systematically develop the esports industry and related sectors through various activities within the project.
Mr. Pantanu Wannagangsai, Advisor to the Minister for Digital Economy and Society, presided over the opening ceremony of the depa ESPORTS project, launched under the concept PLAYGROUND FOR THE FUTURE. He was joined by Mr. Attasetha Julasethapanich, Secretary to the Minister for Digital Economy and Society, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), Mr. Chatchai Khunpitiluck, Senior Executive Vice President of depa and executives from partner organizations including SEA (Thailand), intel and COM7 BUSINESS.
Mr. Pantanu revealed that esports has now become a globally significant industry. According to Newzoo: Global Esports & Live Streaming Market Report 2022, the global esports industry was valued at over USD 1.3 billion in 2022, with projected growth to USD 2.285 billion by 2025. With this continuous growth trend, the MDES recognizes esports as a new opportunity for Thailand to drive the nation's economic value. Thailand has strong digital infrastructure and a digitally skilled population, especially among the younger generation, who can easily access and learn digital skills. Additionally, under the leadership of H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand and Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Digital Economy and Society are open and fully committed for supporting new initiatives. The MDES is confident that Thailand has the potential to reach new landmark in the global esports industry in the next phase.
"For the depa ESPORTS project, depa is laying the foundation for the esports ecosystem and related industries comprehensively. This includes workforce development, inspiring and encouraging young people to have career options, enhancing players' abilities to become professional athletes (Pro Players), as well as managers and coaches, to create high-potential esports teams for international competitions. It also creates understanding among parents, guardians, and society. Moreover, creating spaces for business negotiations. All these efforts will give Thailand a competitive edge on the global stage, driven by the digital economy, and propel the country into the new world of digital content industries. This is one of the key strategies to enhance the country's digital capabilities, aligning with the MDES's plan, The Growth Engine of Thailand.", the Advisor to the Minister for Digital Economy and Society said.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon stated that the esports industry has lacked comprehensive and systematic development. Therefore, the MDES through depa is committed to creating an Esports Sandbox that lays the proper foundation, allowing everyone to learn, understand, and experiment within the esports, gaming and related industries across the entire value chain. To change the perceptions of parents, guardians and society at large, and to support young people in the esports industry to build a positive identity within society. Through various activities within the depa ESPORTS project, the goal is to establish an ecosystem that Thai people understand and accept.
"depa intends to systematically support the esports and gaming industries while encouraging Thai society to understand and accept. In the future, the private sector will be able to build upon this foundation, and there may also be supportive measures from both government and private entities. This could extend to the tourism and sports sectors, investment, education, as well as the development of digital technology and innovation.", the President/CEO of depa said.
The depa ESPORTS project intends to enhance the skills and expertise of young people and those interested in esports, inspiring them in related careers, including athletes, coaches, team managers, casters, event organizers and more. It also promotes awareness and positive attitudes toward esports professions, while developing the Thai esports industry to a global standard. The program includes:
- Skill Enhancement and Inspiration through activities like depa ESPORTS IN SCHOOL, targeting the improvement of 30 schools nationwide and depa ESPORTS ACADEMY, which offers over 180 hours of career-related courses through the learning platform http://depaesports.com/
- Promoting the esports industry ecosystem through the depa ESPORTS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM, which develops players advance to professional levels, fulfill the skills of team managers and coaches, builds high-performance esports teams, and creates business matchmaking opportunities with esports industry experts to foster professional growth.
- depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT competitions are divided into depa ESPORTS Daily Tournament, a basic level competition open to the public to develop their skills to higher levels; depa ESPORTS Influencer Tournament, allowing the public to compete with renowned personalities in the industry to inspire entry into the esports industry and depa ESPORTS Regional Tournament, searching for the best-performing teams in 8 provinces to represent in the depa ESPORTS National Tournament, for the top spot and creating opportunities for future.
Additionally, the ambassadors for depa ESPORTS includes 'Ploychompoo' - Jannine Weigel, 'Prom' - Ratchapat Worrasarn, 'Mark' - Siwat Jumlongkul and 'Kamo' - Archawin Yubamrung. There was also a panel discussion on the topic 'Roadmap for Thai Esports to the international Level', featuring representatives from depa, Thai esports educational institutions, and professional esports athletes.
The MDES and depa hope that the various activities within the depa ESPORTS project will serve as a key mechanism for the comprehensive development of the Thai esports industry. Aiming to develop a workforce of over 150,000 individuals, including young people, teachers, and professionals in related fields. Expecting that this initiative will stimulate an economic impact of no less than 1,000 million baht. depa hopes that this project will enhance competitiveness and push Thailand towards becoming a leading global esports hub in the future.