Phuket welcomes U.S. offer of smart city tech assistance

Working together means working smarter. President of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) said that Thailand welcomes an offer from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for technical assistance in smart city projects on the island province of Phuket.

“Thanks to the strong support of both the USTDA and the Phuket provincial government, we are confident that this technical assistance will lead to a long-term citizen-centric digital transformation and strengthen ties among all parties involved,” said Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and Chief Executive Officer of DEPA.

Smart cities leverage the most advanced technologies to create better services and a more livable environment for their inhabitants. Among the digital tools they employ are the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and 5G networks.

Phuket, known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, is Thailand’s premier beach resort, welcoming more than multi-million visitors each year. The island is also home to the culturally and architecturally significant Phuket town and many industries.

One of the 26 official members of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Smart Cities Network, Phuket also collaborates with cities from the 10 ASEAN member states working towards the goal of smart and sustainable urban development.

“This project is a great example of how the U.S.-Thai partnership can stimulate a vibrant digital economy and provide direct benefits for Thais while contributing to Thailand’s efforts to build a greener, smarter, and higher-value tourism sector,” said Gwendolyn J. Cardno, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.

Photo courtesy of https://th.usembassy.gov/