A group of leading Thai real estate figures and users of 3D design software, or BIM (Building Information Modeling), are showcasing their potential to elevate Thai real estate to international standards by jointly establishing the Open Source BIM group. This initiative aims to study the methodologies and standards for working within the BIM system, a technology that integrates design software (Smart Design Software) to compile all construction design data into a 3D digital model, enhancing accuracy and precision in every process. This aligns directly with Thailand's national development policy under the THAILAND 4.0 economic model, which focuses on driving the country forward through technology and innovation. 

          As the construction and real estate development industry in Thailand enters an era of full computer technology utilization, various sectors related to real estate development and public utilities, including real estate developers, government agencies, construction contractors, project consultants, designers, architects, and engineers, have faced challenges due to a lack of standardized software. This has led to difficulties in coordinating project designs, which are crucial for collaboration between different agencies or between real estate developers and construction companies, resulting in inefficiencies that directly impact project quality, timelines, and budgets on a large scale. 

          Therefore, BIM users in Thailand, both public and private sectors, especially leaders in the Thai real estate industry, such as Pruksa Real Estate Public Company Limited, Sammakorn Public Company Limited, L.P.N. Development Public Company Limited, Ananda Development Public Company Limited, and SC Asset Corporation Public Company Limited, have come together to establish the Open Source BIM group. This initiative aims to create opportunities for meetings and discussions, presenting opinions and operational guidelines in a unified direction, and raising awareness within the broader real estate industry. It seeks to establish appropriate working standards on the BIM system as a common standard that the entire country can utilize for effective and accurate operations, as well as to share knowledge and information among individuals and various agencies to enhance knowledge and skills for producing and developing personnel from government, private, and educational sectors in line with current and future labor market demands, thereby improving the quality of Thailand's real estate development.

          The first activity of the Open Source BIM group took place on October 6, 2017, at the FYI Center Building 2, 11th Floor, Ananda Campus. Esteemed experts from both public and private sectors attended, including Associate Professor Manop Pongthatsathit from the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, real estate expert Mr. Prasert Baetdulayasathit, CEO of Pruksa Real Estate Premium Business Group, Mr. Kittipol Pramoj Na Ayutthaya, Managing Director of Sammakorn Public Company Limited and former president of the Thai Real Estate Association, Mr. Prakakorn Watanyakul, Managing Director of Architect 49 Limited and former president of the Association of Siamese Architects, Mr. Scott Whittaker, Group Creative Director of dwp, Mr. Natthapong Kunakornwong, Managing Director of SC Asset Corporation Public Company Limited, Mr. Phaitaya Banchakittikun, Partner at Architect 49 Limited, Dr. Porn Virulrak, Managing Director of LPS, and Mr. Chanont Ruangkritya, CEO and Managing Director of Ananda Development Public Company Limited, who engaged in discussions and exchanged views on implementing the BIM system, a new technology that plays a role in the construction industry from the design phase to building construction. This technology facilitates better collaboration and accuracy among architects, engineers, contractors, and all stakeholders involved in building construction.

          The BIM system creates a virtual model on the computer, allowing all involved parties to see every component accurately. BIM generates a 3D model along with intelligent information, such as material specifications and quantities, to improve the design and construction process and calculate the energy requirements for buildings. It creates a realistic digital prototype model and transitions from paper-based designs to digital technology, facilitating data collaboration on the cloud, making it convenient for off-site work using electronic devices like tablets. This will lead to the delivery of higher-quality buildings that meet current market standards.