Department of Airports develops smart terminals to strengthen tourism in Thailand Partners with AIS to provide free WiFi services in 25 airports nationwide
The Department of Airports, Ministry of Transport, has chosen AIS to develop and install a state-of-the-art high-speed Internet/communications network in 25 airports nationwide. Digital technology is being adopted to provide greater convenience and deliver the ideal Internet and phone service experience for travelers at these airports. The Department expects the “smart terminals” to contribute to Thailand’s tourism growth.
Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport says the government is keenly following through with a strategy underits Thailand Digital Economy and Society Plan that places emphasis on the development of high-performance digital infrastructure to cover top tourist destinations across the country. The government’s goal is for people to access and utilize digital infrastructure and services anywhere, anytime. Guided by this aim, the Ministry of Transport places great importance on achieving the development plan.
“Today, the Department is making a crucial move upgrading service standards to high-speed Internet access for passengers in 25 airports. It responds not only to passenger demand in this digital era but also to the government’s policy of maximizing easy accessibility to digital infrastructure,” Mr. Arkhom adds.
Department of Airports Director General Mrs. Amphawan Wannako points out that the Department has a broad range of services currently under development in 25 airports, especially safety and security, and a variety of convenient facilities for passengers.
The Department had earlier conducted an auction for a license to develop free WiFi services at the 25 airports andAIS won the contract. The company is now ensuring that free WiFi services will be available at the airports by March 2019. The Department also plans to develop services in busy tourist destinations to ensure the airports can sufficiently accommodate and meet the needs of all travelers.
AIS Chief Corporate Officer Mr. Weerawat Kiattipongthaworn says that in this digital era customers always need a fast, reliable online connection, especially travelers and tourists who search for information, make transactions and communicate via various applications during their travel. With airports being a key area for tourists awaiting flights, the facilities must have advanced, high-performance digital networks to perfectly serve all travelers.
“We’re glad the Department of Airports has given Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of AIS which is the leading digital life service provider, an opportunity to jointly develop a communications network of both WiFi (high-speed wireless Internet) and mobile phone services in 25 airports nationwide. This implementation conforms to the Department’s key goal to enhance the capability of airport services through adoption of digital technology to deliver an ideal experience for tourists and customers at all 25 airports,”Mr. Weerawat adds.
The free WiFi high-speed wireless Internet services:
- Passengers and visitors can use a free WiFi service via the DOA Free WiFi AIS network for up to 3 hours a day. For easier connectivity, customers can log in via Facebook or register on the website (WiFi users are required to register forthe first time for identification and authentication based on Thailand’s Computer Crime Act).
- AIS customers can access WiFi via the AIS Super WiFi network according to their packages.
“Tourists and travelers as well as workers at 25 airports can have confidence that the AIS Next Generation network will deliver fast Internet access to support their communications and online surfing needs. The development of a free WiFi service is expected to be completed by March 2019,” Mr. Weerawat confirms.
The 25 airports are in Krabi, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Mae Sot, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, UbonRatchathani, Chumpon, Trang, Nakhon Phanom, Narathiwat, Nan, Buriram, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Roi Et, Ranong, Lampang, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Mae Hong Son, Phetchabun, Pai, Hua Hin.
