Phitsanulok, Thailand – In a significant move to accelerate Thailand’s digital transformation and foster inclusive economic growth, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has officially launched a state-of-the-art Community Digital Center in Phitsanulok province. This initiative represents a cornerstone of the government’s comprehensive strategy to leverage technology as a primary driver for strengthening the nation’s grassroots economy, enhancing the quality of life for its citizens, and decisively bridging the persistent digital divide between urban and rural communities. The newly inaugurated center at Phitsanulok Pittayakhom School is poised to serve as a flagship model for a nationwide rollout, demonstrating the tangible benefits of empowering local communities with the digital tools and skills necessary to thrive in the modern economy.
The formal opening ceremony, held on June 13, 2025, was presided over by Professor Dr. Wisit Wisitsora-at, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. He led a delegation of ministry executives and members of the press on a tour of the new facilities, showcasing the center’s capabilities and the locally made products it aims to promote. The event was also attended by key figures including Mr. Vethang Phuangsup, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE), underscoring the project’s national importance. They were warmly welcomed by local dignitaries, school administrators, students, and community members, all of whom are set to be the direct beneficiaries of this pivotal investment in digital infrastructure.
Professor Dr. Wisit Wisitsora-at articulated the profound vision behind the project, emphasizing its direct alignment with the government’s core policies aimed at tangible, nationwide development. “Under the government’s policy direction, the ‘Community Digital Center’ plays a crucial role in delivering the government’s various digital services, from high-efficiency digital infrastructure to the integration of digital technology to drive the community economy and strengthen the nation’s grassroots foundation,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary further elaborated that the ultimate ambition is to “elevate the quality of life for all citizens comprehensively and equitably.” This initiative is not merely about providing internet access; it is a foundational element in building a “Knowledge-Based Society” at the local level. By empowering citizens with the ability to access information and government services quickly and conveniently, these centers are establishing the bedrock for future development across all sectors, ultimately enhancing Thailand’s competitive edge on the international stage.
The mission is being meticulously executed by the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE), which is tasked with translating this high-level policy into an operational and impactful reality. Mr. Vethang Phuangsup, the Secretary-General of ONDE, detailed the functional role of these centers as powerful instruments for social and economic inclusion. “The Community Digital Center was established in accordance with the ministry’s digital for economy and society development policy and plan,” Mr. Vethang explained. He stressed that its core functions are to “provide high-speed internet, digital equipment, digital skills development, and to promote the application of digital technology at the community level to reduce the digital divide.” The objective is multifaceted, aiming to unlock opportunities in education, career advancement, and, most critically, to create and increase income streams for local residents while ensuring all segments of society can access and benefit from technology.
This vision is part of a larger, ambitious national blueprint. The National Digital Economy and Society Commission has laid out a strategic plan for the years 2023 to 2028, during which it will systematically upgrade a total of 1,722 existing Community ICT Learning Centers into fully-fledged, modern Community Digital Centers across the country. The Phitsanulok Pittayakhom School facility stands as a proud example of this national endeavor, having been selected to receive an infusion of advanced equipment and high-speed internet connectivity tailored to the evolving demands of the digital age.
Since its soft opening on May 15, 2023, the Phitsanulok center has already begun to make its mark, serving a target population of over 4,000 students at the school and more than 14,000 residents in the surrounding Tha Thong sub-district. Its services are both practical and transformative. On a foundational level, it serves as a hub for information retrieval and general digital literacy training. More advanced activities include specialized workshops designed to directly stimulate economic activity. For instance, the center has been proactive in organizing sessions to promote the use of government e-Services and has provided hands-on consulting to groups of senior citizens and local housewives, teaching them how to create and manage their own Facebook Pages and TikTok channels.
This training is directly aimed at empowering them to promote their unique community products online, with a direct sales channel integrated through the national e-commerce platform, Thailand Post Mart. This creates a complete ecosystem—from skills acquisition to content creation to online sales—turning local artisans into digital entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the center expands its role into civic engagement by functioning as a service point for filing online complaints with the Supreme Administrative Court, demonstrating its value as a comprehensive community resource.
The investment in the center’s physical infrastructure is substantial and reflects a commitment to providing world-class tools. The facility is outfitted with a diverse and modern array of technology designed to meet a wide range of community needs. This includes new PC computers equipped with licensed operating systems and office management software, multifunction printers capable of printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, and large-screen smart TVs paired with multimedia projectors and interactive smart boards for dynamic presentations and training sessions.
Perhaps most indicative of its economic mission is the inclusion of a dedicated photo studio, complete with a digital camera and lighting. This specific resource empowers local producers to create professional-quality images and videos of their products, a critical factor for success in the competitive e-commerce landscape. The entire facility is secured by a CCTV camera system and features a dedicated co-working space, designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and shared learning among community members in a creative and productive environment.
The Permanent Secretary’s visit to Phitsanulok extended beyond the center’s launch, signaling a holistic approach to the region’s digital development. The delegation also visited the Phitsanulok City Municipality to observe the implementation of its e-Office system and presided over an activity at Wang Thong Pittayakhom School focused on raising awareness about the dangers of Fake News. These additional engagements highlight that the ministry’s strategy is multi-pronged: it is about providing access (the digital center), ensuring government efficiency (e-Office), and building critical digital literacy and resilience among the youth (Fake News awareness).
In conclusion, the launch of the Phitsanulok Community Digital Center is far more than a local event; it is a tangible manifestation of a national strategy to build a more equitable and prosperous digital Thailand. By placing powerful digital tools and knowledge directly into the hands of its people, the Royal Thai Government, through the dedicated efforts of the MDES and ONDE, is not just investing in technology. It is investing in human capital, empowering communities to drive their own economic destinies, and methodically paving a digital path toward a future of sustainable growth and enhanced global competitiveness for the entire nation.
#DigitalEconomy #MDES #Thailand #GrassrootsEconomy #DigitalDivide #Phitsanulok #ONDE #DigitalTransformation #CommunityDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth #Thailand40
