Ericsson and Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) announced ambitious plans to develop Thailand’s own version of Silicon Valley.
In a statement, Ericsson detailed the project is called Thailand Digital Valley and will be located 50 miles east of Bangkok, with ambitions to “become Southeast Asia’s new digital hub” and digital transformation in the region.
Around 20,000 new jobs are expected to be created from the project and generate THB5 billion (US$144 million) worth of foreign investment annually.
Ericsson and Depa recently signed a memorandum of understanding to partner up for projects to drive 5G-based digital transformation in Thailand. The two will work to establish an innovation lab in Thailand Digital Valley that will serve as a 5G testbed and service centre for trials of new wireless technologies, spectrum sharing and applications.
“As a 5G leader, who has been in Thailand for 117 years, we are committed to leveraging our leading, trusted solutions and global ecosystem of partners to drive the digital transformation of the country. We look forward to further working with depa, Thai operators, enterprises and start-ups to unlock the potential of 5G, through the co-creation of 5G use cases,” said Dr Jesada Sivaraks, Head of Government and Industry Relations, Ericsson Thailand.
“Thailand Digital Valley will play a significant role in uplifting the digital ecosystem of Thailand and prompt the country to become Southeast Asia’s digital hub. It will be the key driving force for the digital industry, investment atmosphere and global trade and collaboration,” said Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, DEPA President & CEO.
