Page 139 - ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020

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Measures Rationale Timeframe Related Domestic Agendas
Strategy 3: Create an equitable society where citizens can fully leverage the benefits of technology (Cont’d)
Promote digital adoption among the elderly and A study by the World Bank indicated that Thailand is aging. People aged 65 or older currently account for 11 2017 - 2019  Digital Thailand Plan,
people with disability percent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 25 percent in 2040. Several factors have Strategy 3
brought about this phenomenon, including higher incomes and better accessibility to healthcare services. Its
implications on social and economic policy are vast. For example, the social safety net for elders will demand
greater budgetary coverage from the government, while the shrinking labor force will affect wages, hence the
attractiveness of Thai labor.

Recommendation
To accommodate the needs of these particular group of individuals, healthcare and other related government
services should be provided with better ease-of-access. This can be achieved through online channels; more
specifically, an online government portal through which elders can access public service information. Therefore,
government agencies should start improving their websites and electronic services that provide special
functionality for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Moreover, ICT training should also be provided among the elderly and people with disabilities. It can be
delivered in the form of content provided through the Community Digital Centers, which will allow citizens in
rural regions to enjoy the highest rate of accessibility.

Source: Bolliger & Company (Thailand) compiled from various sources

Office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Digital Economy and Society