Bangkok, Thailand – The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), through its Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), has embarked on an ambitious project to establish Thailand as a global esports hub. The depa ESPORTS project, launched under the concept “PLAYGROUND FOR THE FUTURE,” aims to create an Esports Sandbox that will foster the growth and development of the esports industry in a comprehensive and systematic manner.
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Mr. Pantanu Wannagangsai, Advisor to the Minister for Digital Economy and Society, highlighted the global significance of the esports industry, which was valued at over USD 1.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.285 billion by 2025. He emphasized Thailand’s potential to capitalize on this trend, citing the nation’s robust digital infrastructure, digitally skilled population, and the government’s commitment to supporting new digital initiatives.
The depa ESPORTS project will focus on several key areas:
- Workforce Development: Equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers as professional esports athletes, coaches, managers, and other related roles.
- Societal Acceptance: Promoting a better understanding of esports among parents, guardians, and the wider public to foster acceptance and recognition of esports as a legitimate profession.
- Ecosystem Building: Creating spaces for business negotiations and collaborations within the esports industry, encouraging investment and growth.
depa President/CEO, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to esports development. The Esports Sandbox will provide a structured environment for learning, experimentation, and growth across the entire esports value chain. He expressed depa’s intention to systematically support the esports and gaming industries, laying the groundwork for future private sector involvement and potential collaboration with the tourism, sports, investment, and education sectors.
Key components of the depa ESPORTS project include:
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Skill Enhancement and Inspiration:
- depa ESPORTS IN SCHOOL: A program targeting the improvement of 30 schools nationwide, promoting esports education and career pathways.
- depa ESPORTS ACADEMY: An online learning platform offering over 180 hours of career-related esports courses, accessible at http://depaesports.com/.
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Ecosystem Promotion:
- depa ESPORTS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM: Designed to develop professional esports players, coaches, and managers, as well as facilitate business matchmaking opportunities with industry experts.
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Esports Tournaments:
- depa ESPORTS Daily Tournament: A grassroots competition open to the public to promote skill development.
- depa ESPORTS Influencer Tournament: Encouraging public participation and inspiration by competing alongside renowned esports personalities.
- depa ESPORTS Regional Tournament: Identifying top-performing teams in 8 provinces to represent in the national tournament.
- depa ESPORTS National Tournament: A national-level competition to crown the best esports team, offering future career opportunities and prizes.
The depa ESPORTS project has garnered support from prominent figures in the Thai entertainment industry, including ‘Ploychompoo’ Jannine Weigel, ‘Prom’ Ratchapat Worrasarn, ‘Mark’ Siwat Jumlongkul, and ‘Kamo’ Archawin Yubamrung, who will serve as ambassadors for the initiative.
MDES and The Digital Economy Promotion Agency have set ambitious goals for the project, aiming to develop a workforce of over 150,000 individuals and generate an economic impact of no less than 1,000 million baht. By creating a thriving esports ecosystem, Thailand is poised to become a leading global esports hub, further strengthening its digital economy.
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