Finance Ministry to gather big data of government sector

BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) -- The government has ordered the integration of data from governmental organisations so that the big data system will facilitate policymakers and improve public services. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak referred to the movement while presiding over the signing of an agreement on the integration of financial and public utility information. The signing involved the State Enterprise Policy Office, the National Credit Bureau and nine state-own financial institutions. Mr Somkid said he ordered the National Economic and Social Development Board and the Finance Ministry to gather big data from all governmental organisations and state enterprises. The data would allow the government to improve economic policies and assistance for general people including educational, medical and financial services as well as welfare packages, he said. The Finance Ministry will develop big data of its agencies within six months and then expand the information system to other ministries. Big data would let the government know about people’s behaviours including their spending, saving and everyday habits, Mr Somkid said. Finance Minsiter Apisak Tantivorawong said state enterprises would set up a company to gather the big data and the National Credit Bureau would be its major shareholder. The big data would make a big change. Small and medium-sized enterprises would have easier access to finance and enjoy lower interest rates. Besides, data on taxpayers under the departments of revenues, excise and customs would be integrated and the government’s taxation base would be thus expanded, Mr Apisak said. (TNA)