The national broadband project covering 40,432 villages is to be delayed because of management problems.
It was originally scheduled to be rolled out next year 2017.
Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong, in his capacity as acting Digital Economy and Society Minister, said the project is now expected to be ready by the second quarter of 2018. He was reporting to yesterday's meeting of Digital Economy and Society Committee, chaired by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The government plans to install internet broadband network to cover 40,432 villages, 24,700 of which would be handled by state telecom firm TOT Plc, with an investment cost of 15 billion baht.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is to handle the installations for the remaining 15,732 villages. The NBTC's investment costs have not been made available.
According to Mr Prajin, the NBTC has now completed installations in 3,920 villages.
Mr Prajin said the government is also committed to moving ahead with the 5-billion-baht submarine cable project, to be handled by CAT Telecom Plc.
The submarine project is part of the government's hard infrastructure development plan to promote Thailand as an Asean digital gateway.
Previously, CAT Telecom PLC had been assigned to take responsibility for construction of the national submarine cable. The project, however, failed to take off, as the state-owned company has yet to finish its organisational restructuring as required by the government's plan to set up a national holding firm.
The cabinet in August approved the draft State-owned Enterprises Improving Governance Bill, which will play a vital role in driving state-backed firms to improve their services.
The bill calls for a five-year strategic development plan for state enterprises to pursue and conform to the country's national economic and social development plan.
Under the bill, a national holding company will oversee the 12 corporatised state enterprises, including CAT Telecom. Assets of the 12 state enterprises will be transferred to the national holding firm within 180 days of the bill coming into force.
The bill is expected to come into effect by the end of this year or early next year if it is approved by the National Legislative Assembly.
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