The ministry will hold meetings with relevant parties to listen to their opinions on the plan and forward it for Cabinet consideration next month.

The National Legislative Assembly is also expected to consider the Digital Economy Bill next month, according to ICT Minister Uttama Savanayana.

The 20-year digital-economy plan focuses on building a nationwide advanced broadband network, promoting a digital-technology-based economy and society, creating public e-services, developing human resources competent in the digital economy and society, and creating public confidence in the use of digital technology.

The plan features four phases: building digital infrastructure, entering the digital economy and society, full digitisation of the country, and using digital technology to drive Thailand towards being a developed country.

Over the next 18 months the aim is to build up the digital infrastructure, with the ministry targeting the installation of free Wi-Fi services at 10,000 points nationwide.

It also plans to hasten the establishment of broadband fixed-line and wireless access points across the country, double the capacity of the submarine cable network, and promote the opening of at least 10,000 small and medium-sized online shops.

Also approved in the committee’s meeting yesterday was the ministry’s plan to develop national data centres.