The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), represented by Dr. Pasakorn Prathombutr, Special Expert, in collaboration with King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Rangsit City Municipality, and Siam Inno City Co., Ltd., officially launched the "Smart City Data Officers (SCDO) Training Course, 5th Cohort." Mr. Pongsathorn Kanjanachitra, Deputy Governor of Pathum Thani Province, presided over the opening ceremony, welcoming participants from over 20 local administrative organizations across Thailand, along with private and educational sector representatives involved in urban development. A total of over 50 participants received skills enhancement training through the course.

Dr. Pasakorn stated that the main goal of the course is to upgrade the capabilities of local administrators and officials nationwide to create well-rounded smart city development teams. Develop a city development plan to apply for the Smart City certification and prepare for the High Potential Local Administrative Organization (HPA) assessment according to the criteria of the Department of Local Administration (DLA).

SCDO Batch 5 receives a wealth of new experiences from day one:
• A full day of listening to visions and real-world tools from 8 top national speakers.
• Gaining frameworks and techniques to immediately upgrade their organizations to HPA (High Potential Local Administrative Organization).
• Learning to use AI, Data-Driven, Digital Twin, Mission Model Canvas, and Citizen CRM to develop their own cities concretely.
• Gaining a network of smart city administrators nationwide, along with mentors from depa, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Rangsit City Municipality, and Siam Inno City Co., Ltd., who will provide ongoing support after the course.
Highlight of the first day: Mr. Pongsathorn Kanjanachitra, Deputy Governor of Pathum Thani Province, gave the opening speech and a special lecture. "Integrating Smart Livable City Development Plans at the Provincial Level," followed by intensive training by national-level speakers throughout the day:
• Pol. Gen. Kamronwit Thupkrachang, President of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization
• Dr. Pasakorn Prathombutr, Special Expert, depa
• Pichakorn Watcharanurak, Assistant Director, Digital Platform and Service Promotion Division, depa
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tharawut Boonlue, Mahasarakham University
• Lt. Nattawut Makumthap, Department of Local Administration
• Dr. Manoch Chatphibhan, Faculty of Business Administration, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
• Mr. Pornchai Iamsuksai, CEO, Siam Inno City Co., Ltd.