This report, along with any enclosures, attachments, and citations, is exclusively intended for the collaborative efforts between the UK and Thailand, aimed at the development of digital and technology policies and regulations within a specified timeframe. The contents are derived from focus group discussions. Distribution of this report is strictly limited to academic and policy engagement purposes only.
The importance of data to the functioning of modern economies and societies is well understood, as has been evidenced by research into the economic and societal benefits of data. However, the value that can be created from data is contingent on the degree to which this data can be made available for decision-making and the development of tools, products and services – whether through the publication of open data or limited sharing.
Governments’ role in promoting data access cannot be understated: they are stewards of data and they have influence, through means such as legislation, to incentivise other actors within data ecosystems to use and share data responsibly. Some of the greatest social benefits, such as innovation, greater transparency and increased efficiencies, can be achieved through the publication and use of open data. At the same time, individuals and organisations can be reluctant to make data openly available, either out of concerns over compliance with data protection legislation, or through rivalrous attitudes. Governments must therefore use their position of influence to lead by example, demonstrating the benefits of open data and the practices required to achieve this.
The government of Thailand, and the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) more specifically, are committed to realising the benefits of open data to empower Thailand’s digital government. This is evidenced by existing initiatives such as the open government data portal, which contains more than 11,000 open datasets, and numerous guides and resources that can help government agencies publish open data. These resources have been complemented by efforts to promote interest and awareness in the benefits of open data, such as hackathons, and open data awards for government agencies.
However, challenges remain to the wider publication and use of open data in Thailand by government agencies and society in general. Through this body of research, we have identified potential measures that can help overcome these challenges.