Nakhon Nayok chosen as "Smart Province" model

BANGKOK, February 25 (TNA) - Thailand's central Nakhon Nayok Province has been chosen as a model for a "Smart Province” project, aimed at utilising information and communication technology (ICT) in improving people's livelihood and lowering administrative expenses. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) on naming Nakhon Nayok as the model for the ‘Smart Province’ project was signed in Bangkok on Friday between the ICT and the Interior Ministries and Nakhon Nayok Province, with Thai ICT Minister Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap presiding over the signing ceremony. Permanent Secretary for Interior Pranai Suwannarat, who was among concerned authorities witnessing the signing of the MOU, said that reasons for utilizing ICT in Nakhon Nayok are for helping boost local economy and people's per capita income, improving income distribution and people’s happiness and lowering expenses on government administration. Pranai acknowledged that Nakhon Nayok has been chosen as the model because of its appropriate size and it also has government offices, attractive tourism destinations and an established agricultural system. According to the senior official, if successful, the "Smart Province" project will be eventually introduced at government offices in other provinces in order to boost government services to the public on an equal basis. (TNA)