The Role of central agency in promoting open government in Thailand : the case study of digital government development agency (DGA)

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to (1) understand the role of the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), the central agency, in applying digital technology for promoting open government in Thailand by studying both related external and internal factors, and (2) to suggest key success factors for promoting open government in the country. The study applied qualitative method using documentary research as well as in-depth interview approach to gather primary information from key informants who are experienced and well-versed in digital technology. The findings were that the role of the DGA in promoting open government, such as the formation of GovChannel for promoting open data, Government Smart Kiosk for promoting open access, and International Open Data Day for promoting open engagement, were a result of both external factors; the advancement of ICTs and implementation of open government in foreign context, and internal factors; digital government transformation plans, related policies and laws, Thai people’s behavior in receiving information, and challenges for open government implementation in Thailand. The key success factors for promoting open government in the country composed of the followings; (1) the government have a clear open government data approaches, (2) the intermediate mechanism bridging between the government policy and public needs to support open government is implemented effectively, and (3) people have awareness of open government values and benefits, and ready to participate in the formation of innovation from the usage of open government data.