BANGKOK, Thailand – The Digital 2025 report by We Are Social has ranked Thailand as having the eighth-fastest fixed broadband internet in the world, indicating the country’s extensive investment in digital infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chandraruangthong credited this achievement to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s (MDES) efforts in expanding high-speed internet access to urban centers, rural areas, and previously underserved communities.
In collaboration with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), MDES has implemented the“ Internet Project” extending broadband infrastructure to 24,700 remote villages where commercial services were previously unavailable. Free public Wi-Fi hotspots have also been installed in each village, enabling residents to access essential digital services for education, healthcare, and economic activities. The initiative received international recognition, earning the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2019 from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Efforts to improve connectivity are ongoing, with the National Digital Economy and Society Committee (BDE) reporting 13.6 million registered users and 16.8 million logins to public Wi-Fi services in January 2025. MDES is also expanding fiber-optic broadband to public institutions such as schools and health centers, with over 1,600 locations now benefiting from speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.
The government, recognizing digital connectivity as a key driver of economic development, has introduced initiatives to bridge the digital divide. Programs such as Community Digital Centers, “One District, One IT Specialist,” and “Learn to Earn” have been developed to improve access to technology, education, and business opportunities for all citizens. (NNT)
