depa has announced its operational plan for 2026 under the concept "9th Year depa Unstoppable", demonstrating its commitment to advancing comprehensive mission objectives through the guiding principles of 'perform better, think faster, and live better', reaffirming its dedication to serving the Thai people and nation.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), together with Ms. Kasama Kongsmak, Acting Senior Executive Vice President (Digital Strategy and Security Promotion Unit), Dr.Supakorn Siddhichai, Acting Senior Executive Vice President (Digital Technology and Innovation Development Unit), Dr. Preesan Rakwatin, Acting Senior Executive Vice President (Digital Transformation Promotion Unit), and Dr. Warin Ratchananusorn, Acting Senior Executive Vice President (Digital Ecosystem Promotion Unit), jointly announced the 2026 operational plan under the "9th Year depa Unstoppable" concept.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon revealed that in 2026, depa is prepared to implement comprehensive operational plans aligned with its multifaceted mission, encompassing digital human resource and personnel development, investment promotion in digital industries and innovation, promotion of digital technology and innovation applications, and development of digital ecosystems and infrastructure. All initiatives will be guided by the principles of 'perform better, think faster, and live better', reinforcing the agency's commitment to serving the Thai people and nation throughout its nine years of operation and beyond.
In the dimension of digital human resource and personnel development, depa will expand the Coding Thailand project, an initiative promoting coding knowledge and skills development among youth, teachers, and educational personnel that has been continuously implemented since 2018. In 2026, the project will advance by promoting knowledge and skills in coding and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with goals to upgrade educational institutions, including vocational institutions, develop educational personnel and youth. Additionally, there will be projects to develop digital capabilities for vulnerable groups, the elderly, and the unemployed, with emphasis on promoting income enhancement pathways and expanding career opportunities.
Beyond promoting the elevation of Thai digital products and services to international standards through dSURE certification for inclusion in the Thailand Digital Catalog, in the dimension of investment promotion in digital industries and innovation, depa will continue mechanisms to foster new digital startups, including incubation mechanisms through integrated collaboration with Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) networks, while facilitating market expansion into international markets. Simultaneously, depa will support startups registered in Thailand, provide opportunities for startups seeking to relocate their operations to Thailand, as well as foreign startups registered in Thailand.
Regarding industry promotion, depa recognizes that cybersecurity is a fundamental foundation for digital technology utilization. Therefore, the agency has initiated efforts to elevate Thai digital products and services to ISO 27001 standards, while continuing to promote entrepreneurs in the digital content industry.
In the area of digital technology and innovation application promotion, depa will continue to prioritize the advancement of Smart City development, which constitutes one of Thailand's digital ecosystems, to enhance public service delivery and precisely address the diverse needs of different cities. The agency will emphasize awareness creation alongside promoting the elevation of Thai digital products and services to obtain dSURE certification for increased registration in the Thailand Digital Catalog. It is anticipated that in the future, digital technology may need to be adapted to suit urban contexts to genuinely enhance city efficiency and solve urban problems, while simultaneously benefiting residents and digital entrepreneurs.
Concurrently, depa will expand various projects that received excellent public response in the previous year to promote the application of digital technology and innovation in smart city development, including:
- OTOD#3: A project promoting digital technology application for farmers, community groups, and community artisans
- Digital Durian: A project promoting and supporting Thai durian farmers in adopting digital platforms (applications)
- Smart Living: A project upgrading digital skills for community groups and farmers nationwide through promoting digital technology (Application) with understanding and maximum benefit
- 5G Ambulance: A project upgrading emergency medical services through full implementation of 5G technology and digital medical equipment on emergency ambulances
Regarding digital ecosystem and infrastructure development, the Thailand Digital Valley project is planned for completion during the third quarter of the year. depa will recruit private companies to participate in its development. Thailand Digital Valley will serve as the regional center for designing, developing, analyzing, testing, and experimenting with advanced digital technology and innovation in Southeast Asia (ASEAN Digital Hub), opening new commercial dimensions to international markets through the role of technology owner with strong partnerships with allied networks. Concurrently with promoting and supporting investment through various mechanisms, depa will promote the establishment of Software-Hardware Test Labs, testing centers to support digital product development for both hardware and software.
For the final two buildings in the Thailand Digital Valley area, the Digital Edutainment Complex will be an ecosystem driving the country's gaming and esports industry. It will feature an Esports Arena to propel Thailand toward becoming a regional gaming industry hub, as well as serve as an intelligent robotics innovation development center and intelligent robotics competition arena, promoting new educational development formats in both design and competition. It will also serve as an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) innovation development center, becoming an important learning resource for the transportation sector, agricultural sector, and other areas applicable to the industrial sector, exploration, and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the Digital Go Global Center is designed as a sandbox for Thai digital startups planning to reach the global level, facilitating the design, development, and creation of products before ultimately entering the market. Furthermore, depa will prioritize infrastructure upgrading by jointly promoting the development of the National Digital Trade Platform (NDTP), which will positively impact Thailand's international trade in the future.
"Throughout nine years of unwavering commitment to moving forward for the future of the Thai people and Thailand, depa will continue working for the future of the Thai people and developing Thailand's digital economy to world-class standards according to the agency's mission in each area." stated the depa President/CEO.