Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri said that the Cabinet on 9 January 2024 acknowledged guidelines for implementing the “Coding for Better Life” project, aimed at building the foundation for Thailand’s future through human resource development in digital technology.

The project was launched recently by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society in order to tackle shortages in the digital workforce and create a digital environment on a sustainable basis. The ministry has worked out both short- and long-term plans to manage this project.

The short-term plan involves the implementation of the Global Digital Talent Visa program for those who have exceptional digital abilities. Foreigners with expertise in the fields in which Thailand faces a shortage will be allowed to stay and work in Thailand without having to get a work permit. The plan is being carried out together with urgent action to stimulate the country’s economy.

In the long-term plan, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will develop knowledge and skills for all groups and all levels of Thai people. For instance, children and youth will be provided with basic knowledge on coding, while coding skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, and cloud computing software will be enhanced among workers.

The Coding for Better Life project will be carried out in four major areas, as follows: 

1. "Development of coding infrastructure" in 1,500 schools nationwide;

2. “Coding coach incubation” to develop coding curricula and enhance teaching skills for at least 3,000 instructors. This initiative is expected to help develop coding skills for 300,000 students a year;

3. “Acceleration through coding challenge” to foster learning outside the traditional classroom by actively engaging teachers and students in an intensive coding skill enhancement program;

4. “Awareness Coding Thailand” to raise awareness about coding among parents and the general public and encourage them to apply their knowledge and coding skills for practical use in various areas, such as agriculture and business operation.

The Government will also continue to push forward the development of digital investments and human capital, which will help propel the digital economy and address the shortage of skilled people in the digital workforce.