Khon Kaen Smart City is on the move!!! Engaging major investment groups “Mitr Phol, Benja Chinda, and Banpu”
In collaboration with Khon Kaen Municipality and Khon Kaen City Development (KKCD), they are supporting the development plan for a smart city focusing on energy and IoT. Recently, Khon Kaen University has completed the Smart City Operation Center (SCOPC), which will extend the smart city framework across the entire northeastern region.

Mr. Suradech Thaveesangskulthai, founder of Khon Kaen City Development (KKCD) Co., Ltd., discussed the progress of transforming “Khon Kaen into a Smart City.” He stated that the overall development of Khon Kaen has been in line with other major cities that have lacked effective management. Over the past five years, KKCD has been involved in various aspects, leading to a clearer urban development plan for Khon Kaen through the participation of multiple stakeholders, including government, citizens, civil society, and various private sectors, aiming for a fully-fledged Smart City.

Additionally, there are tools in place to enhance the chances of successful implementation, such as the registration of KKTS and preparations for smart mobility. This includes plans, operational strategies, tools, and support systems that have already reached a satisfactory level.

However, this does not mean that all problems have been resolved. It can be said that there is now a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The plan can now move forward, which means keeping pace with the latest global technologies. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when the province was able to respond more quickly due to the digital transformation systems already in place. Various incidents and issues could be addressed promptly, whether it was tracking individuals or reaching target groups, allowing for effective care of all six patients.

This indicates that Khon Kaen can manage clearly, control areas swiftly, and track targets in real-time. Even at night, it can monitor groups violating the emergency decree through drones and surveillance cameras, thus helping to prevent issues in a timely manner.

How is collaboration with relevant agencies being strengthened?

It is evident that the province's COVID-19 center has opened opportunities for the private sector, particularly Khon Kaen City Development and the Chamber of Commerce, to join as a working group. They help provide insights on how to prepare for the easing of lockdown measures. The private sector has collaborated with Khon Kaen University to analyze the impact numbers across the province, assessing how continued lockdowns would affect various aspects, including unemployment rates, allowing the province to prepare plans accordingly.

Furthermore, Khon Kaen City Development has partnered with Khon Kaen University and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) to prepare volunteer graduates in advance. These graduates provide advice to those affected by COVID-19 who are unemployed. A total of 1,360 volunteer graduates have been fully engaged, and the government can clearly allocate budgets for all of them. Therefore, if starting today, it may not be easy to find jobs for the public quickly, necessitating advance planning as this will serve as a buffer for Khon Kaen, enabling timely responses during crises.

Importantly, Khon Kaen City Development plays a coordinating role, while the province and Khon Kaen Municipality lead, along with four other municipalities in the area. The government remains the leader, while the private sector supports. This represents a unique strength in urban development that other provinces lack, stemming from the strong collaboration of local administrative organizations in Khon Kaen.

Engaging three major investment groups in urban development

As of today, “Khon Kaen City Development” continues to attract leading investment groups, such as “Mitr Phol,” which is actively developing the Sri Chan area under the “Sri Chan Creative” project. Previously, the TCDC design center had already designed the city, and now the master plan for urban revitalization has been completed. Mitr Phol has successfully renovated abandoned buildings, making it a magnet for attracting investment in urban development in other areas.

Similarly, infrastructure groups, such as those involved in smart poles, underground power lines, smart surveillance cameras, and IoT internet, have recently signed an MOU with Khon Kaen Municipality, facilitated by Khon Kaen City Development, to introduce fiber optic technology, surveillance cameras, and smart poles, transitioning all electrical lines underground.

Recently, the Ministry of Energy has initiated a smart farming project in collaboration with the provincial energy office, Khon Kaen City Development, and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI). Additionally, they are preparing to engage various agencies both domestically and internationally to promote the cultivation of fruits and vegetables to create a food reserve in Khon Kaen.

Simultaneously, they are preparing to sign a cooperation agreement with “Banpu Group,” which specializes in energy in Thailand, to promote solar farm systems in collaboration with Khon Kaen Municipality and the Provincial Electricity Authority of Khon Kaen to enhance energy conservation. This raises the question for many as to why these investment groups are interested in developing Khon Kaen, as they see that Khon Kaen has a systematic plan and is moving forward with the development of a smart city.

“The establishment of the Smart City Operation Center (SCOPC) by Khon Kaen University has received a budget of 100 million baht for completion. This center will serve as the hub for collecting big data on the smart systems of Khon Kaen and can also elevate coverage to the northeastern network in the future,” Mr. Suradech concluded.

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