The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has outlined its strategic initiatives to position Thailand as a global technology and supply chain hub.

The agency, which recently opened its new headquarters in Bangkok's Lat Phrao Soi 10, marked its eighth anniversary with a plan that focuses on three key areas: enhancing digital skills, creating new opportunities, and developing a supportive ecosystem.

According to Depa President and CEO Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, the initiative aims to improve digital competencies through a digital skills roadmap accessible to all age groups across the nation via 5G networks.

The roadmap is designed to nurture digital talent throughout Thailand while encouraging job creation and skills development, with tax incentives playing a pivotal role.

For companies, enrolment costs for Depa-certified digital training courses are eligible for a 250% tax deduction.

Individuals can claim up to 50,000 baht in personal income tax deductions for digital course fees in 2025. Depa also plans to subsidize 70% of digital skills training costs for students, recent graduates, and the unemployed.

In terms of opportunities, Depa is focused on job creation and enhancing national competitiveness by supporting Thai digital startups.

This initiative aims to empower Thai citizens in various sectors, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.

Creating a new ecosystem involves integrating tax and non-tax benefits.

This includes the introduction of the Thailand Digital Catalog, listing digital products and services from qualified providers at predetermined prices for both public and private sectors.

Depa is also looking to attract highly skilled digital professionals to meet the demands of key industries in Thailand.

Mr. Nuttapon emphasized the need for improved incentives and a streamlined business environment to transform Thailand into a global tech and supply chain hub.

Comparative incentives from neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia — which offer a flat 15% corporate income tax rate (lower than Thailand's 17%) — highlight opportunities for Thailand to offer competitive advantages.

Thailand is also aiming to simplify business processes for foreign investors through a consolidated platform as a service (PaaS) system.

This platform aims to unite all relevant data exchanges among state agencies to support the country's digital-driven tourism and global tech investment schemes.

The government is promoting a single window for business operations, with incentives for foreign investors and tourists, such as visa and tax perks via the Board of Investment (BoI).

The initiative aims to address concerns from foreign investors regarding ease of doing business.

Key stakeholders involved in developing the platform include the Customs Department, Immigration Bureau, Revenue Department, Commerce Ministry, Industry Ministry, BoI, and the Thai Bankers' Association, all coordinated by the Digital Government Development Agency.

Meanwhile, the government's Easy E-Receipt scheme, effective from January 16 to February 28, allows eligible purchases of up to 50,000 baht to be deducted from personal income tax.

This initiative has resulted in increased sales for IT and e-commerce operators in its initial phase.

Companies such as IT City Plc and TikTok Shop Thailand reported substantial sales growth, with significant consumer interest in electronic devices and trendy products influenced by the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Easy E-Receipt scheme aims to boost consumer spending and stimulate revenue growth in the first quarter.

The move has been well-received by businesses, which anticipate further increases in sales as the end of the scheme approaches.