What makes people go on line? An empirical analysis of the digital divide in Thailand

Paper in proceeding, 2011

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the determinant factors that can explain the digital divide phenomena in Thailand. Design/methodology/approach – The updated survey data set in 2010 was provided by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of Thailand and it applies to the econometric model estimating the Internet access. Findings – The availability of fixed telephony, mobile telephony subscription and media familiarity is the crucial factor encouraging people to access the Internet. Moreover, socio-economic backgrounds are also important, for example, age, level of education and area of residence, while the result confirms that there is no longer a gender divide in Thailand. To bring off-line users into the on-line world, policymakers and telecommunications regulators need to take action on fixed and fixed wireless infrastructure development and provide an education or training programme. Originality/value- There are very few studies on Thailand’s telecommunications sector but this study identified a number of specific factors that policymakers and telecommunications regulators in Thailand would consider to stimulate the Internet penetration rate.