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The Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) has collaborated with 13 local government organisations and Burapha University. They have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative – the “Digital Local Support Centre Project for Administration and Public Service.”
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on January 2024. It marks a significant stride towards a technologically advanced era called ‘Digital Locality.’ The project aims to bolster the knowledge base in utilising digital platforms, emphasising the crucial role of ‘digital local systems’ to support officials in enhancing public service delivery, reducing travel time, and facilitating more efficient access to government services for citizens.
Mrs Irada Lueangwilai, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Digital Government Development Agency, expressed delight in collaborating with the 13 local government organisations and Burapha University. She highlighted the opportunity to collectively shape a comprehensive vision for digital local organisations.
As the central digital government agency, DGA is pivotal in supporting and promoting the digital transformation of both major and regional government agencies. The collaboration recognises the significance of broadening support for the development of local administrative organisations, aligning with the government’s policy that centres on the welfare of the people.
The project targets local administrative organisations prepared to be role models in disseminating knowledge to nationwide counterparts, fostering a collective movement towards ‘Digital Locality.’ The MOU signing ceremony included representatives from Lampang Municipality (Lampang Province), Ban Phru Municipality (Songkhla Province), Sila Municipality (Khon Kaen Province), Sanan Rak Municipality (Pathum Thani Province), Saensuk Municipality (Chonburi Province), Koh Taew Subdistrict Municipality (Songkhla Province), Chiang Khan Subdistrict Municipality (Loei Province), Nuea Khlong Subdistrict Municipality (Krabi Province), Nang Lae Subdistrict Municipality (Chiang Rai Province), Nikhom Phatthana Subdistrict Municipality (Rayong Province), Bang Saray Subdistrict Municipality (Chonburi Province), Ban Klang Subdistrict Municipality (Lamphun Province), and Pa Sakae Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (Suphanburi Province), along with Burapha University.
Mrs Lueangwilai emphasised the collaborative effort’s alignment with the government’s policy, focusing on advancing the benefits for the people. The project aims to support local administrative organisations in integrating digital technology to increase work efficiency and meet citizens’ needs better.
The MOU signified the commitment of the 13 local government organisations and Burapha University to the Digital Local Support Centre project, which aims to manage and provide public services efficiently. Each department involved is optimist about serving as a consultant and offering advice. The collaboration supports the development of digital skills among personnel from various local government agencies. Both executives and officials are poised to become a formidable force in jointly propelling local administrative organisations towards becoming “Digital Local.”
The project is not merely a technological upgrade but a transformative initiative that underscores the importance of digital literacy and innovation. The Digital Local Support Centre Project seeks to create a paradigm shift where digital technology is integrated into local governance, ensuring efficient public service delivery and fostering a responsive, citizen-centric approach.
Further, in another previous report from OpenGov Asia, the DGA has also adopted a central platform called the “Digital Local System.” This initiative empowered officials to apply management systems within the electronic archives, fostering an integrated service system.
Mr Usara, the Director of Consulting and Project Management at the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), emphasised implementing the e-document system, a key component of the Digital Local System. This system aims to streamline government practices, providing efficiency and transparency for regional and local government agencies. He highlighted various modules within the system, including the Online Construction Permit Request System, Restaurant License Application System, Online Garbage Fee Payment System, and Online Fee Payment System.
As the project unfolds, these local government organisations are anticipated to serve as catalysts, inspiring others nationwide to embark on their digital transformation journeys. The collaborative nature of this initiative sets the stage for a broader digital ecosystem in Thailand, where local government organisations become key players in driving technological innovation for the benefit of the entire nation.
The Digital Local Support Centre Project is a testament to Thailand’s commitment to harnessing digital technology to advance local governance. As the nation moves towards a ‘Digital Locality,’ this collaborative effort stands as a beacon, showcasing the transformative power of digital technology in shaping a more efficient, inclusive, and citizen-centric government.