In a groundbreaking move towards digitalizing Thailand’s agricultural landscape, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has unveiled an ambitious project named ‘1 Tambon 1 Digital.’ This collaborative effort with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) aims to revolutionize farming practices across 500 local communities.
Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, underscores the project’s primary objective – enhancing efficiency and productivity among Thai farmers through the integration of advanced drone technology. The initiative seamlessly aligns with the national strategy to propel the Thai digital economy and society forward, with a keen focus on digital safety, security, and maximizing human capital.
To facilitate farmer participation, DEPA has committed to subsidizing 60% of the drone costs, leaving communities responsible for the remaining 40%, either through low-interest loans or village funds. In instances where financial constraints hinder community contributions, the agency will step in by providing a vehicle, acknowledging the high demand for drone usage in specific areas.
Efficient resource utilization is a key aspect of the initiative. Communities seeking to benefit from the project must meet specific criteria, including the training of representatives in drone operation and the acquisition of a drone operator’s license from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
DEPA President Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin reveals a substantial allocation of approximately 200 million baht for drones, training programs, and the establishment of maintenance centers. Within the next year, the agency plans to set up 50 service centers nationwide, providing training for 1,000 participants in drone operation and 100 in maintenance.
The ‘1 Tambon 1 Digital’ project has set ambitious targets, aiming to cover a substantial 4 million rai (1.58 million acres) of agricultural land in its inaugural year. Projections indicate an economic value of at least 350 million baht, underlining the potential transformative impact of this pioneering initiative on Thailand’s agricultural sector.
