The Minister of Digital Economy visited the Hatyai Post Office Center, delivering a three-pronged policy to upgrade the Post Code system into a Data Layer to enhance disaster relief efforts.
On 30 August 2026, Mr. Chaiyachon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), inspected operations at the Hatyai Post Office Center. He was accompanied by Mr. Patchara Anantasilpa, Permanent Secretary of DE; Ms. Chomphalee Chomphurat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of DE; Mr. Narin Thaisiam, Deputy Senior Executive Vice President (Regional Operations 1) of Thailand Post Company Limited (ThPost); heads of DE-affiliated agencies; and other relevant officials at the Hatyai Post Office Center, Khuan Lang Subdistrict, Hatyai District, Songkhla Province.
The Minister of DE outlined policy directions for ThPost, emphasizing that its operations reflect public trust and reliability, which are strengths that create competitive opportunities. Alongside this, ThPost serves as a support agency providing data and assistance during disasters. He assigned three key policy areas.
First, driving organizational efficiency. Currently, about 50% of ThPost's revenue comes from delivering documents, general mail, bills, and official correspondence. In the future, this will shift toward electronic document usage to advance digital government, directly impacting these services. ThPost must therefore consider developing other core services moving forward.
Second, serving as a support and relief agency for the public. ThPost’s unique advantage is its nationwide reach, enabling effective assistance during disasters. Lessons learned from the Hatyai disaster have been integrated with efforts to create a Post Code system that digitally pins citizens’ house numbers on maps. This includes a 13-digit Post Code identifying place types such as government offices, condominiums, or houses, forming a Data Layer. This system has begun implementation at 24 ThPost centers and is being expanded nationwide.
Regarding the Post Code Data Layer, the Minister tasked the inclusion of additional details and route mapping to support relief efforts. Beyond crisis response, this Data Layer will serve as a central data source for related agencies to implement projects benefiting the public. It will provide accurate data that can evolve into geographic, economic, and daily life analysis maps. The Post Code will be linked to citizens’ Digital IDs.
Additionally, a plan for managing donation receipt and distribution has been developed to address issues with receiving unwanted donations due to timing and delays in assistance requests from affected areas. The Minister instructed creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for communication between agencies and relief centers to coordinate donations. A donation management center will be established, where ThPost’s role includes communication and coordinating feedback on quantities, needs, distribution, and remaining items, all managed through a digital data system.
Third, asset management within DE-affiliated agencies, especially real estate. The Minister ordered a survey of unused properties within the Ministry to repurpose them for community benefit—creating connection points for public digital access nationwide. These spaces could serve as learning centers, skill training facilities, vocational hubs, seminar venues, or creative activity centers to maximize efficient use of property.
"The Ministry of DE is preparing to consolidate disaster-related data to present at the upcoming Cabinet meeting in Songkhla. This includes central data supporting disaster prevention, response, and public assistance. ThPost’s role in donation logistics is part of this initiative. Alongside this, policies to repurpose unused spaces for public benefit will be highlighted. I want DE agencies to stay close to the public, facilitating technology use, reducing inequality, and creating opportunities to improve quality of life accessible to all Thai people," he said. The Minister of Digital Economy concluded his remarks.