Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) hasset a goal to have 100 smart cities nationwide to improve the economy andquality of life in line with the 20-year national strategy plan.
Cities in six provinces plus Bangkok have begun the process of transforminginto smart cities. The provinces are Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri,Rayong and Chachoengsao.
The National Steering Committee on Smart City Development, chaired by DeputyPrime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, has opened the application process to citiesthat want to join the scheme by submitting their proposals for evaluation andapproval since May. A total of 39 cities have submitted proposals.
To get approval for smart city development, they must meet five criteria: haveclear geographical boundaries and smart city goals; have infrastructureinvestment and a development plan; have a design for an open and secure citydata platform; provide smart city solutions; and have a sustainable managementmodel.
Approved cities are entitled to use the Smart City Thailand logo and areallowed to apply for investment privileges from the Board of Investment.
The characteristics of smart cities under the planned development cover sevensmart city dimensions: economy, mobility, energy, living, people, governanceand environment.
DEPA President and Chief Executive Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said the projectis not limited to cities and could cover broad areas where there is potentialto be developed under the smart city concept.
To pursue the project, city development companies involving state and privatecooperation must be established to help move smart city schemes forward throughprivate sector funding, he said.
The agency and the Department of Local Administration (DLA) recently signed amemorandum of understanding to pursue smart city development with an aim toenhance local management efficiency that can meet people's needs.
According to Nuttapon, the goal of the smart city project is to answer diverseneeds and distribute prosperity to citizens living in provincial areas. Smartcities are expected to help create jobs and boost the economy./.
Cities in six provinces plus Bangkok have begun the process of transforminginto smart cities. The provinces are Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri,Rayong and Chachoengsao.
The National Steering Committee on Smart City Development, chaired by DeputyPrime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, has opened the application process to citiesthat want to join the scheme by submitting their proposals for evaluation andapproval since May. A total of 39 cities have submitted proposals.
To get approval for smart city development, they must meet five criteria: haveclear geographical boundaries and smart city goals; have infrastructureinvestment and a development plan; have a design for an open and secure citydata platform; provide smart city solutions; and have a sustainable managementmodel.
Approved cities are entitled to use the Smart City Thailand logo and areallowed to apply for investment privileges from the Board of Investment.
The characteristics of smart cities under the planned development cover sevensmart city dimensions: economy, mobility, energy, living, people, governanceand environment.
DEPA President and Chief Executive Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said the projectis not limited to cities and could cover broad areas where there is potentialto be developed under the smart city concept.
To pursue the project, city development companies involving state and privatecooperation must be established to help move smart city schemes forward throughprivate sector funding, he said.
The agency and the Department of Local Administration (DLA) recently signed amemorandum of understanding to pursue smart city development with an aim toenhance local management efficiency that can meet people's needs.
According to Nuttapon, the goal of the smart city project is to answer diverseneeds and distribute prosperity to citizens living in provincial areas. Smartcities are expected to help create jobs and boost the economy./.
VNA