Internet use continues to expand in Thailand: KRC

BANGKOK: -- The number of Internet users in Thailand is likely to increase continuously by 10 per cent annually to 10.1 million in 2007, from around 7.6 million this year, according to the KASIKORN Research Center (KRC).

The leading think tank said the number of Internet users in the country had gradually increased to 7.6 million, or 12 per cent of the population at current.

Although the number of Internet users will increase at a slower pace, the Internet use has gradually grown with the broadband for information transmission expanding to meet higher demand.

At the same time, the fast connection technology has been developed to the hi-speed Internet, which draws more users.

While service fees tend to decline, more various contents have been developed.

KRC said the overall picture of the Internet business trend in the country would become clearer when the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) begins to give new licenses to operators.

It projected that the number of Internet users would annually increase by 10 per cent in the next three years to 10.1 million.

The Internet network will also expand into different regions because more service areas are covered and service fees are lower.

Students and working people remain a major group of Internet users, accounting for 60-70 per cent of the total. Most use the Internet for learning, research, and communications.

The number of Internet service providers in the country is expected to increase now that the NTC starts to give new licenses to existing and new operators.

Licenses given by CAT Telecom Plc to 18 existing service providers are due to expire in 2005-2009.

KRC forecast that the hi-speed Internet would become more popular in areas of trade, communications, education and entertainment.

The country’s economic growth will boost the Internet business, and expand network access, and help reduce the service fees.

--TNA 2005-09-19

yet connectivity continutes to be a disgrace

Some significant changes need to be made to the countries infrastructure, connectivity (as the above poster already said) and reliability.

Things have improved significantly over the last 12 months, but they still have a long way to go.