The private sector is studying setting up an entity tasked with handling a national single-point digital identity platform to set the stage for integrating identity verification, pushing the country towards a digital economy.
The study, including the entity's model and framework, is expected to be finalised in the next few months and is likely to be established as a social enterprise, said Yos Kimsawate, the Thai Bankers' Association (TBA)'s head of the payment systems office.
Business-related associations and private companies would contribute funding to the social enterprise, but its registered capital has not been finalised yet, he said.
Given the social enterprise model, the entity can receive service income but it would not pay dividends to stakeholders.
Initially the associations that expressed interest in taking part in the entity included the TBA, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Board of Trade, the Association of Securities Companies (Thailand), the Office of Insurance Commission, the National Credit Bureau and the Energy Professionals Association. Large local corporations such as PTT Plc and Siam Cement Group also were interested in joining the entity.
"This social enterprise would not charge a significant fee for its information service. It would hopefully fulfil the goal of a digital ecosystem," said Mr Yos.
The government plans to set up the national single-point digital identity platform by mid-2018 to centralise identity verification, reduce online fraud and improve the efficiency of financial and e-commerce activities. The platform will help verify the identity of involved parties through an information pool.
Anuchit Anuchitanukul, adviser to the national digital ID system development committee, said after the national e-payment scheme started last year, it found the country needs to develop a digital infrastructure base to build up an ecosystem and drive towards a digital economy.
Digital IDs are no longer limited to numbers, as other technologies including biometric can be used for verification. The pooled identity information can be shared among organisations that join the platform.
The platform's concept calls for both government and businesses organisations to develop their own verification systems and connect with others to pave the way for more online services. Any member organisations can access the pooled information. However, sharing identity information requires approval from the identity owners.
