The agreement was signed on Tuesday (June 16) with support from the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), and was accompanied by a forum bringing together government and industry representatives to discuss priorities for Phuket’s smart city development.
The MoU was signed by DEPA Acting Director-General Dr Supakorn Sittichai and Piotr Hołubowicz, President of the Management Board of Seedia Sp. z o.o. The ceremony was witnessed by Norbert Bak, Head of PAIH’s Bangkok Office, and DEPA Southern Region Director Pracha Asawathira.
Dr Supakorn said smart city development remains one of DEPA’s core missions, with the agency working alongside government bodies, local authorities, educational institutions and the private sector to promote the use of digital technology and innovation in urban management.
He explained that the Thailand Smart City Office is coordinating nationwide efforts to improve government services, enhance residents’ quality of life and support sustainable economic growth.
DEPA is promoting smart city development across seven key areas: Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart People, Smart Energy, Smart Economy and Smart Governance, he said.
Mr Hołubowicz said the partnership aims to encourage the application of technology and innovation in Phuket, particularly in the fields of smart mobility and smart environment, in line with the province’s Smart City development plan.
He added that the cooperation will also support project development and create opportunities for participation in international funding programmes.
Following the signing ceremony, DEPA hosted a discussion forum on best practices and development priorities for Phuket’s smart city initiatives, with particular emphasis on transport and mobility.
Panellists included DEPA Southern Region Director Pracha Asawathira, Phuket Provincial Transport Officer Atcha Buachanth, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Deputy Mayor Anupap Wechwanichsanong, and Phuket City Development Co Ltd Chairman Waithat Upattisring.
The participants exchanged views on the challenges facing Phuket’s transport system and explored how digital technologies and innovation could be used to improve urban mobility as the province continues its push to become one of Thailand’s leading smart cities.