The rapid growth of Thailand's internet and mobile usage may have something to do with support from its government.

According to World Gazetteer, at the end of 2007 the country's internet penetration was 12.6 per cent of the population — 8.4 million internet users out of Thailand’s overall population of 67 million.

Beyond the increase in internet usage, the Research and Markets report "2008 Asia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband in Myanmar and Thailand" shows Thailand experiencing strong growth in its mobile sector, "By early 2008, mobile penetration was around 82 per cent. In a matter of only six years, the mobile market had moved from 8 million in 2001 to 53 million in 2007."

Thailand is still in the early stages of its technological developments (even with some of the players investing significant capital to build infrastructure), with much of the growth attributed to the involvement of Thailand's democratic government.

Democracy and the Internet
A fresh start has commenced on restructuring Thailand's internet market.  According to the Budde Report titled "Thailand- Internet":
 
"Thailand has started to energetically embrace Internet in its many forms across the marketplace. Over the last five years, admittedly starting from a very low base, the estimated number of Internet users in Thailand has increased six fold. ISPs also seem to be recovering from their earlier reputation for unreliable performance. Now that the government has taken the first steps to fix the regulatory regime, with CAT being sidelined from the activities of the ISPs and the international Internet gateway market having been opened up, there should be increased opportunities for the development of the Internet in Thailand."

It is evident that the government of Thailand's information and communication technology plan for the years 2000 to 2010 is to promote the increase in internet usage for both its citizens and business sectors. According to a December 2006 review titled: "Broadband and Consumer E-Commerce in Thailand":

"The information infrastructure is becoming more universal and less expensive. Security, privacy protection, and trust are being enhanced so that consumers will have more trust and confidence, and will try different products and services in the future. These developments are creating great opportunities E-Commerce solution providers, and E-Commerce-related service."

Thailand has a very promising future in online and mobile marketing. Internet and mobile users increase daily, and the many initiatives that are taking place to penetrate this market are promising.

Elizabeth M. Lloyd is Co-founder and chief revenue officer of 9Global, Inc.