Digital Government and the Transformation of Thailand’s Public Sector: Trends and Challenges

Abstract

   This article aims to analyze the key trends and major challenges in the development of digital government in Thailand. Amidst the transformations of the 21st century, digital technologies play an inevitable role in reshaping economic, social, and public administration structures. Thailand has emphasized enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centered public services. This has been pursued through digital government policies and strategies, with the Digital Government Development Agency (Public Organization) serving as the primary driving force. This article examines the development of Thailand’s digital government, from the IT 2000 Master Plan to the Digital Government Development Plan (2023–2027), within the framework of modern public administration concepts. It also presents key trends, including the development of e-Services, investment in digital infrastructure and human capital, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the  adoption of modern technologies.

   However, Thailand still faces several challenges. These include disparities in digital infrastructure, low levels of public participation, contextual differences, personnel constraints, rigid organizational culture, and cybersecurity threats. The article therefore proposes policy approaches for sustainable advancement. These include promoting accessible e-Services, systematic data management, investment in infrastructure and human capital, strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration, enhanced cybersecurity, and transforming organizational culture to be more adaptive and responsive to change. These efforts aim to create a modern bureaucracy that is transparent, flexible, and truly citizen-centered.