Imagine a world where nearly every person you pass on the street, from the tiniest tot barely old enough for school to the most senior of citizens, is plugged into the digital realm. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic novel; this is Thailand today. According to Krisana Jirawatsathit, the deputy director-general who’s been diving into numbers like they’re the depths of the ocean, an astonishing 89.5% of Thais aged six and upward are navigating the vast seas of the internet. But wait, there’s more – an incredible 95.5% of this cohort are wielding mobile phones like modern-day swords, ready to conquer the digital world.
Last year, when the leaves began to turn and the air got chillier, warning us of the incoming winter in the fourth quarter, a survey was launched. This wasn’t just any survey; this was a deep dive into how the Thai population interacts with information and communication technology (ICT). Imagine, if you will, researchers scouring through data across 24 million Thai households, only to uncover that a whopping 91.6% of these homes are connected to the web. Yet, it’s not all cyber roses; the northern region of Thailand, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, trails behind with only 85.7% of households enjoying internet connections.
Let’s put things into perspective for a moment. Thailand, a country that boasts a population of 71.8 million souls as per the latest dance of numbers by Worldometer drawing from United Nations data, is more connected than ever before. Just picture it: out of this bustling population, nearly 23.3 million households are in possession of mobile phones. That’s a staggering 97%! On the other side of the tech spectrum, only 22.6%, or 5.4 million households, have personal computers. It seems that in the land of smiles, smartphones reign supreme.
Krisana, acting as our guide through this digital exploration, points out that Thais have been embracing ICT with open arms, even more so in the last quarter of the previous year. Yet, she taps into a pressing concern: the digital divide. With several households yet to be initiated into the digital congregation, she calls upon the powers that be to propel the nation further into the digital age. Her rallying cry is for increased ICT usage among Thais, not just for the sake of connectivity but as a vital push for the country’s competitiveness on the global stage. This aligns with the grand vision laid out in the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan, stretching from 2023 to 2027, a blueprint aiming to catapult Thailand into a future where technology and progress walk hand in hand.
In the end, what these numbers, percentages, and statistics tell us is a story of transformation. Thailand is not just adapting to the digital age; it is embracing it with enthusiasm, albeit with room for growth. As this enchanting country continues on its path, one thing is clear – the future is digital, and Thailand is racing towards it, one click at a time.
It’s incredible to see such high rates of internet usage in Thailand. It’s a testament to how digital globalization is reaching every corner of our world!
But is it really a good thing? High internet usage doesn’t always translate to productivity or quality of life improvements. We’re facing a global digital addiction crisis.
I disagree. The internet has been a great equalizer in terms of access to information and opportunities, especially in emerging markets. Yes, addiction is a concern, but so is digital illiteracy.
True, TechSkeptic, it does have its downsides. But imagine the vast opportunities for education and business that this digital penetration can bring. It’s about how we harness it.
This is impressive but let’s not forget the digital divide within the country. The article mentions that the northern region has significantly lower internet connection rates. We need to address this gap.
Yes, and it’s not just about connection rates. What about the quality of those connections? High-speed internet is a must for truly reaping the benefits of the digital age.
Exactly! Speed and reliability are where the real divide lies. Plus, considering mobile dominance, are these users getting the same opportunities as those with PCs?
As someone living in rural Thailand, I can tell you that internet has changed our lives. Families are now able to connect with the world, sell our products online, and access information that was once out of reach.
It’s great that the internet is helping rural communities, but what about the environmental impact? More internet usage means more energy consumption and more electronic waste.
That’s a valid point, EcoWarrior. However, the internet also enables access to education on sustainable practices and technologies that can mitigate those environmental impacts.
All this tech talk and we’re not discussing the impact on children. Being online from such a young age has to have some developmental repercussions. We need to tread carefully.
While that’s a valid concern, technology isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s about how we teach kids to use it responsibly. Digital literacy should start early.
There’s research showing that balanced and guided use of internet can actually enhance learning and skills development among children. It’s all about balance.
Despite the advances, we can’t lose sight of preserving Thailand’s rich cultural heritage in the face of rapid digitization. Balancing modernity with tradition is essential.