5G is being heralded as a disruption in the technology space, focusing on true digital inclusion by facilitating faster speed in internet connections, powered by low latency and power consumption. For consumers and businesses alike, the opportunities and potential is enormous. Tipping into this potential, Thailand is coming up as a frontrunner in the 5G race, not only among ASEAN countries, but also as a name globally. Research shows that such rapid adoption of 5G across businesses has the potential of adding $41 billion in revenue to the economy. Furthermore, a 5.5x GDP push can be expected from 5G tech-supported businesses by 2035. Through this article, we will navigate through the various aspects of 5G adoption in Thailand, the industry impact, challenges and way forward.
5G in Thailand: Current Scenario
While the focus on adoption of 5G started in early 2020, after the country’s 5G auction, Thailand’s focus on fast connectivity and internet has been on the radar for a few years now. Here’s a quick snapshot of the current standing of 5G in Thailand:
- Deployed free broadband internet access for 74,987 villages, and has boosted the capacity of submarine cables to drive Thailand to be a digital center in ASEAN
- One of the first markets to launch 5G in the Asia Pacific region
- Supported by advanced infrastructure and a customer base of 3 million 5G subscribers
Despite being in the initial stages of 5G adoption, Thailand has shown immense potential for 5G deployment. In the recently conducted Thailand 5G Summit 2022, the Thailand 5G Alliance was launched to promote 5G as the country’s key digital infrastructure to create a better society with 5G technology application. The summit acted as a platform for the country to showcase how Thailand is ready for 5G adoption with a well equipped telecom infrastructure to support digital innovation in the field.
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5G growth in Thailand: Reflections and Prospects
The current adoption figures and the commitment of the country leaders, businesses and consumers looks optimistic for 5G growth in Thailand. However, from a future perspective, there are multiple other trends and predictions that add greater noise to Thailand becoming a global 5G leader:
- 50% of mobile subscribers are expected to have access to the fifth-generation service by 2027
- 130,000 jobs to be generated by 5G tech ecosystem by 2030
- 30% increase in production efficiency and reduction in operational costs from 5G expected for entrepreneurs
- 10% increase in Thailand’s GDP by 2035 with 5G
Action Plan for Promoting the Adoption of 5G Technology in Thailand Phase 1
To facilitate the adoption of and innovation in 5G technology, the Thai Government launched the Action Plan for Promoting the Adoption of 5G Technology in Thailand Phase 1 aimed at utilizing 5G capabilities for social and economic development in the country. The seven year plan (2021-2027), has two developmental milestones for 2-year goals (5G inclusion) and 5 year goals (5G transformation). Some of the key goals and indicators for the action plan are:
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- 98% of the population to be covered by 5G network
- 6.6% increase in GDP with the adoption of 5G technology in the vertical industries
- 2.2% or 10,000 SMEs utilizing 5G technology for their business operations
- 700,000 people receiving remote medical diagnostic and consultation through 5G
- 700,000 students accessing education through 5G
- 70% of the digital workforce equipped with 5G skills
- 80% of the population with 5G mobile adoption
These goals have been segmented into various aspects of development, including infrastructure, economic, social and ecosystem development. The action plan also aligns effectively with the country’s other policies and plans, he 20-Year National Strategy, National Reform Plans, the Twelfth National Economic and Social Development Plan, National Security Plan and Policy, Thailand Digital Economy and Society Development Plan and the 5-Year Action Plan for Digital Economy and Society.
Flagship 5G projects for Thailand
Under the action plan mentioned above, Thailand has identified 31 major flagship projects to promote the adoption of 5G technology across the different areas where the goals have been set and facilitate its implementation across industries. These projects together will help the country realize its ambitions of adding $41 billion to the economy with 5G. Some of these are mentioned below
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5G Network in Rural Areas
Augmenting the deployment of 5G in rural areas with enhance internet connectivity by:
- Boosting the investment in Radio Access Network Infrastructure for 5G network deployment
- Building local engagement to understand the real demand on public services that utilize 5G technology
5G Precision Farming Trials
Facilitating 5G and IoT adoption to augment farmer knowledge on different crop needs, cost reduction etc. by:
- Sharing knowledge on 5G-compatible IoT devices in enhancing farm management
- Promoting the adoption of digital technologies to improve the productivity and efficiency of farming
5G Automated Manufacturing Factory
Encouraging industrial 5G use in factories by:
- Establishing 5G smart factories
- Developing machines that rely on low-latency and huge connectivity between devices
5G Remote Support for Machine Maintenance
Reducing transportation and opportunity cost due to machine downtime by facilitating off-site support by:
- Developing 5G-compatible devices that support high definition live video streaming and support the use of AR technology for maintenance
5G Intelligent Traffic System
Improving traffic congestion and promoting effective traffic management with 5G by:
- Installing intelligent traffic light control systems powered by 5G capabilities
- Promoting data integration across intelligent light control systems to facilitate traffic management
5G Telehealth & Smart Hospital
Improving access to healthcare across all communities by adopting 5G to promote healthcare for all by:
- Developing a platform that connects physicians and non-urgent medical problems, via low latency network for wider connectivity
- Leveraging Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services for big data analysis to screen patients’ health over 5G network to guarantee data security and service
5G Challenges for Thailand
In its journey to meet the ambitious goals that Thailand has set out for vis-a-vis 5G adoption and value realization, there are a few challenges along the way which the country is already addressing. Some of the top challenges include:
- Limited awareness about the importance of 5G technology adoption and use among consumers and businesses, leading to low levels of trust and confidence
- High cost of 5G implementation due to Thailand’s reliance on technology imports and other maintenance and set up costs
- Insufficient allocated spectrum for 5G services and lack of incentives for telecommunication providers to explore sharing
- Limited knowledge and capabilities in 5G application development and mismatch between labor demand and qualifications
While these are some of the challenges, the country is already making considerable headway with investments, policy changes and other interventions to ensure that 5G potential can be realized at an exponential rate.
Wrapping Up
It is quite evident that Thailand has incredible potential to rise as the 5G leader in the next decade. This potential coupled with the commitment as displayed through the action plan and the flagship projects translate to a conducive environment for 5G growth in the country. Given the high energy and commitment, 5G is likely to transform the infrastructure, economic and social landscape of Thailand and improve the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
Stay tuned to this space to know more about the latest developments and insights on the technology landscape of Thailand and other ASEAN countries.
