Thai Chamber of Commerce works with agencies to move government to a paperless system

The move to develop an electronic system to link corporate information digitally is expected to result in cost savings of up to THB7mn a year for citizens and entrepreneurs.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) and the Department of Business Development, has on Wednesday (24 April 2024) announced a partnership to develop an electronic system for corporate information to be linked digitally, allowing for paperless transactions and procedures.

This, it was shared, will help reduce time spent on signing multiple copies in hard copy, and is expected to result in cost savings of up to THB7mn a year for citizens and entrepreneurs.

According to Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, this move will play an important role in increasing the country's competitiveness through a fast and convenient government service system, and has been implemented by 10 public service agencies thus far. 

According to Bangkok Post, these 10 agencies were: the Food and Drug Administration, Land Department, Treasury Department, Office of the Board of Investment, Industrial Works Department, Excise Department, Bank of Thailand, Customs Department, Comptroller-General's Department, and Revenue Department.

The leader further shared that having in place such a system can reduce document retrieval procedures by up to 392, representing a cost reduction of nearly THB800 per transaction. When calculated from the current total of 8.8mn transactions per year, economic savings of approximately THB7,000mn could be generated per year, including time saving, document use, accounting costs, and opportunity costs.

In addition, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce There is also an award program. "Sampao-Nawathong" which is a tribute and encouragement to government agencies in facilitating the business sector as well. Which has now been continued for the third year, Mr. Sanan added.

The results of the operation have been summarised by the Chamber as follows:

1. The importance of linking and exchanging government information:

This allows for push-throughs with connections and exchange of information between government agencies, through the enactment of various laws in operation, including:

• Act to Facilitate Government Permission Consideration, B.E. 2015
• Government Administration and Services Act through Digital Systems, B.E. 2019
• Electronic Government Operations Act, B.E. 2022

2. The role of the Public Sector Development Commission in working with the public and private sectors to drive data linkage to be e-Government:

• Raise the level of government services by placing service recipients at the center. In order for people to receive services that are convenient, economical, meet their needs, have a variety of service options and are comprehensive.
• Reduce the role of the government sector by opening up to participation from other sectors. To make the government sector more focused on its role and mission.
• Accelerate the digital transformation of the public sector so that digital technology can be used to develop work and provide services more efficiently.
  

Photo: Thai Chamber of Commerce