Thailand is offering corporate tax breaks of up to 50 percent for three years for businesses that invest in provinces with smart cities, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society said at a seminar in Bangkok last month.

Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong said the tax break and incentives were part of a package by the Thai government to accelerate the development of smart cities across the Kingdom’s 77 provinces. He made the announcement at a seminar entitled “Thailand Smart City Expo 2023” attended by businesspeople, investors and tech-firm representatives and government officials.

Smart cities use advanced ICT and digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to gather data and deliver services and manage assets and resources with more efficiency.

According to the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) Smart City Data Platform, Thailand now has 35 smart cities or towns, but policymakers are determined to create even more as part of a national drive for digital development.

Minister Prasert said the government was aiming to develop provincial hubs into smart cities in seven fields – transport, energy, economy, citizen, living, public services, and the environment. Each province will specialize in one or more of the seven fields with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality and earning the title of smart city.

“Local communities will also need to play their part and provide inputs, feedbacks and ideas appropriate for their area and environment,” the Minister said.

He added that the Ministry will promote the Internet of Things and Big Data technologies to manage the environment, reduce pollution, and respond to natural disasters.

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