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Thailand

H.E. Mr Pornchai RUJIPRAPA
Minister
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology

22 October 2014



Thank you Mr. Chairman,
 
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor for me to speak before this ITU Plenipotentiary Conference on behalf of the Royal Thai Government.

First of all, I would like to express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea for hosting this Conference in this wonderful city of Busan, and for the warm welcome and hospitality.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Mr. Chairman, on your election as Chairperson for this conference. 

Being a Member State of ITU for over a hundred years, Thailand has closely witnessed how ITU has evolved overtime to respond to ever-changing needs of its Members. As our Union is gearing up to establish the Connect 2020 framework, let me share Thailand's perspective and some of our commitments to push forward the vision and targets under this framework.
 
The Thai Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission have been cooperating to implement the extension of high-speed broadband network and to achieve its countrywide coverage.  This will reduce gap and disparity in accessibility of telecom and ICT services.

I am pleased to note that the Connect 2020 goals and targets are perfectly aligned with the new policy of the Thai Government to formulate strategies on digital economy.  The major objectives of digitizing the economy aim at extending opportunities for our people, businesses and social services through information technology.  To achieve this, the Thai government plans to increase investment in both physical infrastructure, such as the expansion of the national broadband network, and the readiness of related laws and eco-system.

Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our common goal of creating an information society with better and broader ICT links among nations and people could be achieved through the multilateral collaboration.  We must enhance partnerships among governments and all stakeholders. Thailand is ready and willing to be part of this partnership and strongly committed to contributing to the global telecom and ICT development agenda through our membership of the ITU.

Please allow me to gently remind you that the Government of Thailand is standing for re-election to the Council.  We hope that our candidature would be supported by all the Member States in the elections. 

Thank you very much for your attention.