Thailand is making a major push to enhance its esports industry by partnering with leading global gaming companies. The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, aims to strengthen manpower skills in this burgeoning sector.

 

Prasert, who is also the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, unveiled these plans during his visit to the Thailand Game Show 2024. Accompanied by Assistant Professor Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, Director-General of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), and Warin Ratchananusorn, director of the Digital Startup Institute, Prasert highlighted the high-tech potential of the industry, noting its ability to create new revenue streams.

 

The government is accelerating development in esports, games, and animation—industries seen as ripe with opportunity. Prasert emphasised this with his directive for DEPA to support these sectors to enhance Thailand's competitive edge.

 

"We aim to develop individuals or teams to compete at a pro level or become game creators and exporters," Prasert stated, highlighting plans to make Thailand a digital content hub in the region.

 

The debut of the DEPA Esports project is expected to significantly impact the local esports scene.

Prasert and his team are in discussions with industry leaders like Nintendo and Konami, as well as the Korea Game Developers Association (KGDA). The KGDA is keen to establish a game development skills centre in Thailand to further cultivate local talent.

 

Assistant Professor Nuttapon noted plans to foster an investment-friendly climate through the creation of infrastructures such as the Digital Edutainment Complex in Chon Buri. This innovation centre, set within Thailand Digital Valley, will serve as a test bed for digital advancements, driving the esports sector.

 

At the recently concluded Thailand Game Show 2024, more than 50 game developers showcased their work, underscoring the vibrancy of the local industry. The event echoed Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol's observations of Thailand's US$1.3 billion gaming market, which continues to grow rapidly in Southeast Asia.

 

"It's an industry that offers new careers and aligns with the digital economic shift," Sudawan commented. Thailand is embracing digital change and looking to position itself as a leading force in the esports world.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-21

 

 

If they start make game with the same imagination that some of their TV advertising i think Thai folk can really  bring some originality and new ideas to the global game industry.

But if they code their game like  government website and app are.... well too bad 💀

esports... what a joke.

 

playing video games is not a "sport".