ICT PROMOTION FOR KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY : A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CYBER KOREA 21 AND THAILAND INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY(ICT) MASTER PLAN

Abstract

Objectives of this research are to study the proper policy directions for ICT development aiming in promoting knowledge-based economy of Thailand using Cyber Korea 21 - a blueprint for information society used to solve 1997 financial crisis in Asia that changed economic system to be a knowledge-based economy and to compare to the ICT model of Thailand (2002-2006) which aims to develop the country to be the society of wisdom and learning. This thesis was conducted by collecting academic documents and interviewing ICT informants in Thailand. According to the results, it was found that Cyber Korea 21 model is an important ICT strategic driver. Korea improved their citizens to get ready for maximizing ICT utilization. However, ICT in Thailand still lacks of quality and budget for research and fundamental structure as well as lacking of ICT expertise. Knowledge-based economy is a sustainable development that can extend people’s knowledge for various fields of study, including information and communication technology. ICT development and knowledge-based economy must be concurrent and Thailand still has many points for proper changes and development. If knowledge base is still insufficient, ICT tools cannot be used for benefits. In contrary, knowledge distribution is difficult and slow if there is no ICT. These factors support each other and they can be developed towards effectiveness through government promotion as government acts as the center that seriously and continuously gives the support so that Thailand can obtain full potential at the same level of other developed countries.