- True is accelerating digital development in Nakhon Phanom to capitalize on the destination’s newfound status as a top 10 secondary city for tourism.
- 5G network coverage has been upgraded at all auspicious sites, such as Phra That Phanom and the Nakee Cave
- Smart solutions are set to further boost tech and education in rural communities
March 15, 2024 – True Corporation is leveraging its digital infrastructure across all of Thailand to empower communities with 5G connectivity and tech solutions that boost tourism, education and farming. The company’s latest upgrades focus on Nakhon Pathom, a Northeastern province located on the banks of the Mekong River, just across from Laos. True has expanded its 5G coverage there to meet rising data usage and an expected surge in tourists, particularly at sites with a spiritual significance such as the Phra That Phanom and the Nakee Cave.
The initiative is dubbed “Mugital,” combining the words digital and “mutelu,” which refers to mystical beliefs. Under a new initiative from the Thai government, 10 secondary cities were given a special focus by the Tourism Authority to develop them as premier destinations. Among them is Nakhon Phanom, famous for its naga, divine serpents which are associated with this year’s Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon. This is expected to increase visitors to the province in 2024.
True Corporation’s network upgrades will ensure tourists stay connected to high-speed internet while visiting. Additionally, the company’s digital solutions support local communities with smart farming technology, telemedicine and future-ready educational platforms.
Mr. Manat Manavutiveth, Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Plc, said, “True Corporation provides a world-class experience to our customers, featuring the True and dtac 5G networks, high-speed fiber WiFi, and rich digital ecosystems that benefit people and businesses. We are now expanding these services in Thailand’s Northeast. The Isan region plays a crucial role in driving the country’s economy, contributing about 10% of our gross domestic product. This is second only to Bangkok and the Eastern region. Despite being considered secondary cities, provinces like Nakhon Phanom therefore hold immense potential due to their economic resources, cross-border trade, natural landscape, and cultural heritage. By leveraging these strengths in combination with True’s robust digital capabilities, we aim to accelerate the transformation of Isan’s digital economy. To do so, we provide core connectivity with 5G and fibre internet, but also digital services such as telemedicine via the MorDee app, IoT smart farming solutions, and access to online education via True Plookpanya and ConnextED.”
Isan Goes Digital
The tourism trend in the Northeast is shifting towards secondary cities, driven by an increase in both the number and revenue of visitors. This shift is supported by state initiatives aimed at developing secondary cities, with Nakhon Phanom and Si Sa Ket leading this transformation. According to the Bank of Thailand, tourism in the Northeast is steadily growing. There has been an increase in Thai visitors during key festivals in the region, leading to a significant rise in inter-provincial travel and a 66.1% increase in accommodation rates year-on-year.
Isan Insight Information projects that there will be an additional 2.9 million foreign tourists in 2025, thanks to the Thai government’s tourism support policies, such as visa exemptions. This is expected to contribute to a 2.8% growth in the Northeastern economy.
Mr. Prathet Tunkuranan, Chief Technology Officer at True Corporation Plc, said, “For network development in the Isan region, particularly in Nakhon Phanom province, which is experiencing continuous growth, we are expanding both 5G and 4G networks to enhance digital use. This is especially important in tourist destinations such as Nakhon Phanom’s Nakee Cave and Phra That Phanom, which are sacred places, as well as in areas along the Mekong River, including walking streets and economic zones. These expansions aim to support growth and development by utilizing AI to analyze and improve network quality.”
Data usage in Nakhon Phanom is growing fast. True Corporation, with its Business Network Intelligence Center (BNIC), analyzed trends in Isan and Nakhon Phanom. This analysis is guiding the expansion of networks and the enhancement of area-specific signals across the nation. It also indicates that Nakhon Phanom grew faster than the Northeastern average over the past 12 months:
- Nationwide average: 15.59%
- Isan: 13.14%
- Nakhon Phanom province: 14.34%
In addition to network developments that support tourism, True is introducing advanced technologies such as smart agriculture. A flagship project is the school lunch egg chicken farming initiative at Ban Nakhum School in Phon Sawan, Nakhon Phanom, which features a farm of 150 chickens producing approximately 130 eggs daily.
Its farm automation is enabled by high-speed 5G and 4G networks, with IoT devices monitoring and controlling essential environmental conditions in chicken farming. Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and light levels uses sensors for improved efficiency in farm management, eliminating the need for a physical presence on-site.
A Good Year for Spiritual Tourism
Ms. Tipiyarat Kaewsringarm, Chief Geo-based Officer at True Corporation, said, “This is a great year for Nakhon Pathom. The government’s strategy will boost tourism, as will this year’s Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon, which matches Nakhon Pathom famous great divine snakes, the naga. Our ‘mugital’ approach is to combine digital and spiritual beliefs, known as ‘mutelu.’ For example, our ‘Lucky Number 9’ campaign is all about continuous progress in life, love, work, and finances. This campaign is based on insights from nationally renowned instructors, such as Ajarn ‘Chang’ Thotsapon Sritula, a numerology market specialist, and Ajarn Luck Ratchasee, a top astrologer. Additionally, we collaborate with famous gurus from Nakhon Phanom, such as Ajarn Phut Narairak and Ajarn Miu Lucky Star, among others, to offer services in a personalized manner specific to the Northeast and Nakhon Phanom.”
True Corporation is unwavering in its commitment to elevate the customer experience across the nation, crafting services that cater specifically to the unique needs of each region in Thailand. In addition, it provides value-added services to enhance the digital lifestyles of its 51.9 million customers. As the country’s leading network provider, True’s 5G service already covers 90% of the population and boasts a user base of 10.5 million subscribers.
