IT experts concerned about tech challenges of digital wallet scheme
Two leading Thai technology experts on Friday expressed serious concern about the viability of the government’s digital wallet scheme, warning of potential pitfalls and challenges in its implementation.
Their concerns arose following the Finance Ministry's most recent announcement about the conditions and registration process.
Approximately 45 million people in 878 districts across the country are expected to receive a handout of 10,000 baht each.
The experts said that the project, expected to be implemented by October, was facing challenges in terms of system development, security, and timeline.
Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, the CEO of Pay Solutions and a pioneer in Thailand's online payment industry, expressed deep concerns over the ambitious timeline.
He highlighted the critical role of the payment platform, a complex system that needs to handle millions of users and transactions.
Despite its importance, the procurement process for this core component has yet to commence, raising red flags about potential delays.
The payment platform is the backbone of the entire digital wallet system. It needs to be robust, secure, and scalable to handle the expected load.
Given the tight deadline, there are serious doubts about whether the system can be developed, tested, and deployed successfully in time," he said.
Echoing these concerns, Somkid Jiranuntarat, a respected IT expert and former adviser to Krungthai Bank, questioned the government's ability to deliver the project on schedule.
He pointed to the “immense complexity” in developing a large-scale IT system that requires seamless integration with various government agencies.
"The registration system alone, which involves connecting with the Ministry of Home Affairs for identity verification, is a massive undertaking. Coupled with the development of the payment platform and the integration of multiple systems, the challenges are immense," he noted.
Both experts stressed the importance of thorough testing and security measures to prevent potential fraud and data breaches. They emphasised the need for a well-defined operational plan to address system failures and ensure uninterrupted service.
With the clock ticking, the government faces a daunting task to overcome these challenges and successfully launch the digital wallet scheme. The tech industry is watching closely, and any missteps could have far-reaching consequences, the experts warned.
