Navigating digital government transformation in Thailand: A 5-dimensional integrated framework for public service excellence

Authors

  • Siripuschareeya Twangtan Doctor of Public Administration Program in Public Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze and synthesize the development, challenges, and directions of Thailand's digital government transformation within a global context. Employing an Integrative Literature Synthesis approach drawing from Scopus- and TCI-indexed journals, international and national agency reports published between 2020 and 2025, the synthesis reveals that digital government transformation is not merely the substitution of technology for traditional processes, but rather a structural reform encompassing technical, social, legal, and participatory dimensions simultaneously. Global digital government evolution has progressed through four eras: e-Government, Open Government, Smart Government, and Full Digital Government. Thailand has demonstrated continuous progress, reflected in its UN EGDI ranking rising from 55th in 2022 to 52nd in 2024. Nevertheless, the country faces five critical structural challenges: the digital divide, cybersecurity threats, lack of inter-agency integration, legal framework limitations, and resistance to organizational change. This article proposes a 5-Dimensional Integrated Framework comprising digital infrastructure, digital human capital, policy and legal framework, citizen participation, and digital innovation. Drawing on lessons from global leaders—Estonia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea—alongside three-tier policy recommendations, this article contributes a theoretically grounded and practically actionable roadmap toward sustainable public service excellence in Thailand's digital government landscape.

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Twangtan, S. (2026). Navigating digital government transformation in Thailand: A 5-dimensional integrated framework for public service excellence. Modern Public Administrative Science, 3(2), 269–278. retrieved from https://so17.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jppi/article/view/1731

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Research Articles