Advanced Info Service (AIS) kicked off the country's first ever Game Expo on Thursday as the nation's largest mobile operator attempts to capitalise on the booming mobile gaming industry.
The overall local mobile gaming market recorded double-digit growth annually the past few years, with the market worth 20 billion baht last year.
Pratthana Leelapanang, AIS's chief consumer business officer, said Thailand has 27.5 million active gamers. There are some 2 billion active gamers worldwide.
Thailand Game Expo 2019 by AIS eSports aims to change the image of gaming to an activity that adds value to the creative economy.
"E-sports in Thailand has been developing for years, particularly as broadband access and smart devices proliferate. Endorsements from supporting projects and events are needed to push the industry in the long term," he said.
Mr Pratthana said the e-sports industry needs support in four core aspects: connected networks and products; complete leagues and teams; shared content and communities; and education and engagement.
He reiterated that e-sports should be seen as another value-added driver for the new economy, similar to digital innovations that directly generate benefits to related industries and create new jobs.
Thailand Game Expo, featuring IT and e-sports, is being held as part of the Mobile Expo 2019 that runs until June 2 at Bitec Bangna.
The Game Expo is expected to attract over 700,000 visitors.
"Thailand Game Expo complements the Thailand Mobile Expo. The event represents a win-win model for AIS partnerships," Mr Pratthana said.
The partnerships comprise M Vision, Samsung and leading partners from many industries including mobile phone companies, IT stores, laptop and computer distributors, gaming gear devices and popular games from all platforms.
He said AIS expects fixed fibre-based broadband service will be the network of choice for all gamers, although there hasn't been a sales target for AIS Fibre service at the expo.
Recently AIS raised service quality by allowing customers to increase daily speed with a speed toggle.
Customers can adjust the download/upload speed themselves to serve their daily needs.
Customers can also select dual bandwidth mode or a separate internet home network and play games at 300Mbps.
At the gaming expo, e-sports fans can watch or participate in competitions, as four league tournaments are taking place.
Fans can meet their favourite e-sport gamers at the event.